Volume 105 Issue 13

The Fordham Ram

Serving the City Offers Paid Internships

By SOFIA DONOHUE ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Fordham’s Serving the City Internship program provides both Fordham College Rose Hill and Fordham College Lincoln Center students with access to paid internships with nonprofit organizations in the New York area. The program was founded on the goal to give students access to internships that reward them with stipends, as well as advance the work of nonprofits.

Laura Auricchio, Ph.D, dean at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, oversees the Serving the City program alongside Maura Mast, Ph.D, dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill.

“We knew that students in FCLC and FCRH were looking to gain experience through internships, but we also knew that often these internships were unpaid. Our vision was to build a program that provided stipends for students to participate in internships at non-profit institutions,” said Auricchio.

According to Auricchio, the

SEE SERVING, PAGE 4

Fordham’s COVID-19 Changes Sweep Campus for Fall Semester

By NORA MALONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It’s been more than three years since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency, and within that time millions of people died, more became infected and the world came to a halt. However, over the past several months, businesses and schools nationwide have been reopening. In May,

President Joe Biden announced that COVID-19’s national emergency status had expired and would not be renewed. This led to many organizations ending their mandates and beginning to go back to what they considered “normal”; Fordham was among them.

Within two weeks of Biden’s announcement, Fordham President Tania Tetlow sent an email informing the Fordham community

Fordham Phases in Second Wave of Advising Program

By SAMANTHA MINEAR

In summer 2022, Fordham College Rose Hill and Fordham College Lincoln Center launched a new cooperative advising system for first-year students known as the Fordham College Advising Center. This program — created to better suit the needs of Fordham’s fledgling class — recently introduced its second phase, a new wave of dedicated advisors to support first-year adjustment.

Fordham Discusses Artificial Intelligence Use in the Classroom

By LAINE FINEGAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since the launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has had an explosive introduction into everyday life. With it, industries, institutions

and individuals have been forced to consider the implications of such technology, especially in academic settings. Over the summer, Fordham held a strategizing session, aimed at determining the correct way to handle AI use in the classroom. The

report was sent out to instructors, with suggestions and sample language for those who wished to mention AI policies in fall semester syllabuses. The report makes room for three approaches to AI in the classroom: no AI, limited AI and full AI. In the latter kind of

that the university would be ending its COVID-19 policies. These included mandatory vaccines, daily health checks and emails reporting positive cases.

“Vaccines will no longer be required, however, because new variants increasingly have evaded the vaccine’s initially strong ability to prevent transmission of the disease,” said Tetlow in her

SEE COVID, PAGE 4

Maura Mast, Ph.D., dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, and Laura Auricchio, Ph.D., dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, collaborated to establish the advising center to replace the university’s previous system of advising. In past years, advising was a collective effort: “an incoming student would work with a summer faculty advisor,” said Mast, and then they “would be supported by a core advisor” with the possibility of “a different sophomore core advisor” and a major advisor upon declaring their major. Additionally, many students had several major advisors due to declaring certain tracks in their majors or turnover in department leadership. In some cases, this led to confused students receiving inadequate academic support.

By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR

On Aug. 29, President

Tania Tetlow announced in an email that Fordham has hired Tokumbo Shobowale to work as Fordham’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as well as senior vice president and treasurer.

Shobowale, who will assume the position on Oct. 13, has over a decade of experience in the world of higher education. For the last 10 years, Shobowale served as the executive vice president for business and operations at The New School. Before his time at The New School, Shobowale was the director of infrastructure for New York City’s Initiative on Rebuilding and Resiliency. He also has experience helping coordinate economic development in the

Fordham Hires New Chief Financial Officer Opinion

Recognizing this problem, FCRH and FCLC set out to reconfigure the advising system to better assist first-year students acclimating to the university and to aid upperclassmen in completing their major requirements.

In 2020, Fordham released their strategic plan for 202126 titled “Educating for Justice.” Mast and Auricchio cite Fordham’s goal of “cultivat[ing] a diverse,

SEE ADVISING, PAGE 5

in this issue

We Owe Our OLs a "Thank You"

Culture Best Bagels On Campus at Bronx Bagel Company

Sports

Page 11

Golf Opens Season, Jack Mrva Wins Hartford Hawks Invitational

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Last spring, President Tetlow sent out an email informing students that COVID-19 policies would end.

Since its introduction to public consciousness, ChatGPT has provoked endless debates in academia.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Sept. 6

McShane Campus Center 10:10 a.m.

On Wednesday, a fire alarm went off in the McShane Campus Center. The supervisor responded and evacuated the building. The investigation revealed that steam from a rice cooker in Dagger John’s caused the alarm. The area was ventilated and the supervisor reset the alarm panel.

Sept. 9

Loyola Hall 3 p.m.

On Saturday, the basement of Loyola Hall flooded due to heavy rain. The supervisor responded and observed several inches or water in the basement. The supervisor requested facilities, who responded and pumped out the water.

Sept. 10

O’Hare Hall 11:34 a.m.

On Sunday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in O’Hare Hall. The supervisor responded and notified Centennial Elevator. The supervisor then called FDNY who responded and freed the occupant.

Sept. 10

Off-Campus 8 p.m.

On Sunday, a student reported a male on a scooter attempted to snatch their phone in front of 2425 Lorillard Place. The supervisor responded and met with the student. A canvas was conducted with negative results. The student declined to notify the NYPD.

OMA and OSI Host Annual BIPOC Student Mixer in Great Hall

By MICHELA FAHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

By EMMA KIM NEWS EDITOR

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) hosted their annual BIPOC Student Mixer in the Great Hall on Sept. 7. Different cultural clubs across campus participated and talked about their club.

Marie Castro, assistant director at OMA, explained that the main purpose of the mixer is to get new students involved on campus.

“Often [for] BIPOC students… it’s more of a struggle for them to find where they belong. And so we want to make sure we showcase all the affinity groups on campus of different cultures and identities to make sure they can find at least something that they can identify with,” Castro said.

Castro explained that the mixer officially started in 2020, but before that, it was known as the diversity dinner. The event was rebranded to make it more interactive with club leaders and less formal than the dinner.

“We wanted it to feel just more uplifting, more light. So more fun, for lack of better words, but that was the whole premise of it,” Castro said. “And so the BIPOC mixer is a space where there’s a lot more condensed, very closeknit way for students to get to know club leaders on a better basis.”

Phillip Real, GSB ’25, president of Fordham’s Philippine American Club (FUPAC), explained that his club came to the mixer to express that all Fordham students can participate in their activities.

“We brought people here today to kind of show our voice and spread the word about our club, and let all students know that regardless of whether you’re Filipino or not, you’re free to learn about our culture and enjoy it, participate in it,” said Real. “And we hope to get the point across that there’s a lot of things that our club offers, and we hope to be a community for everyone here at Fordham to participate and have fun,” he added.

Thursday September 14 Freeman Hall 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Stop by Freeman Hall to drink coffee and eat cookies with Fordham’s favorite Jesuits. The event will include lively conversations and tasty refreshments.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

The purpose of OSI and OMA’s annual BIPOC Student Mixer is provide a space for new students to get involved on campus. really well together. So that definitely enhances our experience, and I think we really created Curl Talk because of our drive and our motivation. But in general, like the BIPOC mixer, this was just like a cute

Angelina Sanchez, FCRH ’25, is president of Curl Talk. Curl Talk is a club that facilitates conversation about curly hair and is able to talk about common interests.

“I think it’s really important, especially coming from someone from like, you know, a background where curly hair and natural hair isn’t always embraced,” said Sanchez. “It was important for me to start off my college journey and like the community where I felt included, so like in Curl Talk, I felt like, you know, I had people that looked like me and like we shared similar struggles and interests to do with hair, which is a big part of my identity.”

She added: “Being able to create this club and grow it really from the bottom up has been such an experience. I have a really great E-board. We all work

This Week at Fordham

Thursday September 14 Lowenestein Plaza 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

Campus Ministry is celebrating diversity with a prayer and picnic event on Thursday. It will be on the grass, so bring a blanket and a smile!

Friday September 15

Rose Hill Gym 3:30 p.m.

On Friday, women’s volleyball is competing against Dartmouth University in the annual Rose Hill Classic. Come show support in your maroon and white.

Saturday September 16 Jack Coffey Field 3 p.m.

Come cheer on men’s soccer as they host St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Help cheer on the Rams as they play this competitive Atlantic-10 game.

little community. We can focus on the cultural clubs on campus and really bring people together where, you know, in other settings, there isn’t really an emphasis on people who are BIPOC.”

Sunday September 17

Hawthorn/Rooney Courts TBA

This weekend, women’s tennis is hosting the annual Fordham Invitational. Competing schools include Stonehill, FDU, Seton Hall, Wagner and Marist.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

The mixer, held on Thursday, Sept. 7, included free food and giveaways.

Fordham Hires New Chief Financial Officer

FROM CFO, PAGE 1 New York City mayor’s office.

Fordham’s search for a new CFO originally began in April 2023. Provost and Dennis Jacobs, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, chaired the committee.

Jacobs said that it was his privilege to head the committee. He mentioned that Fordham received a number of applications in response to the open position.

“We had a very strong response to the job posting and consequently were able to interview a terrific field of highly experienced candidates,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs highlighted what drew Fordham to hire Shobowale.

“Importantly, Tokumbo resonates strongly with Fordham’s

Jesuit approach to education and commitment to cura personalis,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs added: “Tokumbo’s breadth of prior experience touches on every aspect of the SVP role at Fordham. He has an impressive record of directing resources towards advancing the mission, strategic priorities and values of the institution.”

Shobowale, who is originally from Minnesota, received an undergraduate degree from Stanford University followed by an M.A. from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Kylie Phillips, GSB ’25, is interested to see the changes

Shobowale brings to Fordham.

“I think that the new CFO is coming at an interesting time,” Phillips said. “There are a lot of adjustments right now at Fordham. I will be interested to see if he comes in and brings more change, or if he goes with the flow.”

Shobowale will join the community next month, and the current staff is looking forward to working and collaborating with him.

“I can’t wait for Tokumbo to join Fordham’s leadership team next month,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to collaborating with President Tetlow and Tokumbo on developing and resourcing strategic priorities.”

Fordham Addresses Artificial Intelligence Use in the Classroom

class, Fordham suggests students be required to indicate when something is generated by AI.

For the time being, Fordham does not have a universitywide policy on AI. According to Dennis Jacobs, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, such a policy is “unlikely to be able to address the vast array of situations where AI may appear in Fordham’s future.” However, that is not to say that AI may be used for any purpose without repercussions. Fordham Law School has modified its honor code to explicitly prohibit students from using AI on exams. At the undergraduate level, however, policies on AI are left mostly in the hands of instructors, and for this reason the consequences for using it (or lack thereof) vary.

Professor Cathryn Prince defines her policy as “the middle road.” She favors the second of the three options — limited AI use in the classroom — and appreciates the novel

By

technology as an important tool, both inside and out of an academic setting. Prince contends that AI will have a large role in the near-future, and as such, she feels it benefits her students to allow it (with restrictions) in her classroom, claiming “[AI] is going to be a part of your job and day-today life, so the more we know how to use it, the better.” At the same time, Prince recognizes the problems that AI presents. As a writer and journalist, in addition to a professor of communications, she is mindful of the value of unique voice, which some generative AI programs seek to replace. Whether it be misinformation, disinformation, plagiarism or sourcing, Prince said “there are a lot of issues that will come up which we have to be aware of.”

Some educators worry that AI has the potential to undermine learning. According to Provost Jacobs, “GAI could short-circuit a student’s capacity for deep learning if one allows GAI to replace the

struggle to develop humanistic intelligence with the allure of instantaneous artificial intelligence.” But it is not only educators who worry about the future of pedagogy. Students, too, dwell on the accessibility of AI for young people.

Shannon Jensen, FCRH ’24, emphasized the importance of every student building a strong educational foundation without the assistance of AI, arguing that they “need to learn how to write” and cannot be allowed to use these programs in school, especially middle and high school, without guardrails.

Hanna Giedraitis, FCRH ’24, shared Jensen’s concerns, but clarified that she does not consider AI inherently harmful or academically dishonest. “I think you should be able to use it like a more specific search engine,” Giedraitis said. “To summarize readings or brainstorm potential essay topics, but never to write the actual substance of an assignment.”

An official stance from the university is yet to be revealed to the community.

USG Discusses Destination Dining and USG Budgets

The Fordham Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, Sept. 7, to discuss the upcoming construction of the McShane Marketplace and dining plans for this academic year.

Vice President of Facilities and Dining Jamie Serruto, FCRH ’24, introduced Deming Yaun, university dining contract liaison, to give a presentation on the new dining locations for this year. Yaun introduced this new dining project as “Destination Dining,” saying that it is “Fordham’s bridge from the past to the future” and a “bridge of culinary excitement.” The firstfloor Marketplace will be closed from October 2023 to July 2024, and, for the time being, they will be moving the marketplace to the second floor of the McShane Campus Center and Bepler Commons. Yaun stated that there would be a total of 14 dining locations on campus this year compared to the eight locations last year. Some of the

new locations include two all-youcan-eat locations, a full-service food truck, pop-up push trucks located throughout campus, the Grab and Go store and the Bronx Bagel Company.

In the upstairs ballroom in the McShane Campus Center, there will be all-you-can-eat, allergyfriendly dining with a 250 seating capacity and the option to either dine in or dine out. This location will be opening Oct. 10. Bepler Commons will also be an all-youcan-eat location with allergyfriendly meal options and indoor and outdoor seating options. There will also be a full-service food truck that will rotate locations around campus throughout the week. The food truck’s location will rotate between being near Rodrigue’s and Martyrs’ Court, Starbucks and Finlay Hall. The Grab and Go dining location in the McShane Campus Center will be open anytime that McShane is open. Lastly, they are increasing outdoor seating around campus which will include a 208 outdoor

seating capacity near Cosi, 80 outdoor seating capacity near Starbucks and a 192-outdoor seating capacity outside of Bepler Commons.

Vice President of Gabelli School of Business Catie Flores, GSB ’25, presented a budget request to make Gabelli merchandise. She explained that, in the Fordham bookstore, there is a very low amount of Gabelli School merchandise, so she thought that creating and selling more merchandise would be beneficial to the Gabelli students and would bring more awareness to Gabelli Dean’s Council. Vice President of Finance and Budgets Eron Malzman, GSB ’25, explained that he thought this idea might go over the Gabelli Dean’s Council’s budget. Flores said that she would look into what she can do about the funding for the merchandise. Vice President of Student Life Brian Ingaunti, FCRH ’24, presented his budget request for Keating Steps T-shirts, and Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Mirei Fukushima, GSB ’25, presented

her budget request for pizza for the Diversity Action Coalition’s first meeting.

Executive President Briana Al-Omoush announced that Senator Pro-Tempore elections will be this week. The Senator Pro-Tempore essentially acts as

a liaison between Executive Vice President Ava Coogan, FCRH ’25, and the rest of the senate. Catherine McGlade, assistant dean for student involvement, said that the Collins Auditorium will be reopening sometime this week.

FROM AI, PAGE 1

SOFIA SEMPER STAFF WRITER

hosted Deming

COURTESY OF FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

Tokumbo Shobowale will start at Chief Financial Officer on Oct. 13.

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Fordham does not currently have a univeristy-wide policy on AI.

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Some professors worry that AI can undermine the learning process.

Fordham’ s COVID-19 Changes Sweep the Campus

FROM COVID, PAGE 1

statement. “What was once a critical way to protect the most vulnerable in our community has become more of an individual choice about safety, one we urge you to take seriously.”

Since then, many changes have taken place across campus: the testing trailers in the O’Hare parking lot have vanished, the posters informing students they can get vaccinated at the Health Center have been removed and the Finlay isolation dorms have returned to their previous state.

Due to the lack of isolation dorms, students who test posi -

tive are expected to isolate within their own dorm rooms.

“We are treating the individual residential room or apartment as a family unit. The roommates are already exposed so they will need to monitor their health,” said Maureen Keown, the director of health services. “Students need to be isolated for five days post-illness onset or positive test in their rooms or at home. They should not go to class. After day five they can resume classes but need to wear a well-fitted mask until day 10 is completed.”

The Health Center no longer

has tests to hand out, will only test students if they are experiencing symptoms and recommends students purchase their own at-home testing kits.

Some students feel that the university’s COVID-19 policies could be more effective.

“I wish Fordham was more organized when students get COVID,” said Camillia Amiri, FCRH ’27. “I felt when my roommates got COVID, things were not handled with the efficiency that I wish they were handled.”

There has been an uptick in cases since the start of the school year, and solutions have

ranged from students returning home to attending classes masked.

The FDA recently approved new booster shots on Monday, Sept. 11, and they will soon be rolled out to pharmacies across the country.

“The demand for vaccines and boosters in our college population is not high, and we feel that the lowcal pharmacies will be able to meet the needs of the students,” said Keown. “Also, vaccines are not free anymore through the government programs that we had in the past.”

According to the Health Center website, the COVID-19 policy is subject to change as the disease evolves.

“We will continue to comply with any additional recommendations from the New York City Department of Health and New York State Department of Health if they become available.”

Overall, the university recommends students use discretion if they come into contact with COVID-19 and take care of themselves.

“We will continue to be prepared for whatever the world may throw at us,” said Tetlow in her statement, “while praying for a reprieve from these ridiculously difficult times.”

Further updates are shared to the university via email.

Serving the City Offers Paid Internships

program was first envisioned in early 2020. However, it wasn’t until COVID-19 swept throughout the country that Auricchio and Mast decided to partner with the Museum of Arts and Design and the New York Historical Society to pilot virtual internships during summer 2020. These initial two organizations are still part of the Serving the City Internship program.

“Internship opportunities dried up [once COVID-19 hit] and we also saw the challenges that non-profit institutions in New York were facing, especially cultural institutions that had to close during the lockdown. We initially called this the Cultural Engagement Internship Program, to reflect the emphasis on cultural institutions. Last year, we changed the name to the Serving the City Internship Program, to reflect the wider range of institutions with whom we are partnering,” said Auricchio.

Serving the City works exclusively with non-profit organizations, and the program has grown to include almost 40 partners and 150 internships over the past two years. Serving

the City partners include organizations such as the Brooklyn Museum, PEN America, The Center for Fiction and The National Arts Club. Donations from generous Fordham alumni are what allows the program to offer stipends to students.

“Some organizations reach out to us and in other cases we reach out to organizations that have been referred to us or that we know through our networks. We look for partnerships that will provide students with an engaging experience,” said Auricchio.

Cole Mullins, FCRH ’24, served as the Development and Administration Intern at the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum in Inwood, Manhattan this past summer. Throughout his internship, Mullins gained valuable experience in grant writing, donor research, fundraising and learning about the ins and outs of nonprofit organizations. A unique aspect of Serving the City, which Mullins noted, is that the internships are available to exclusively Fordham students.

“The Serving the City program provided me with different internship opportunities

only available to Fordham students. This made the process very quick and efficient because the different organizations were only interviewing/ hiring students at Fordham,” reflected Mullins.

As of summer 2023, a total of 47 students have held internships through the Serving the City program. Auricchio and Mast expect approximately 15 internships to be held by students this fall.

“I would definitely recommend students utilize the Serving the City program as it provides Fordham students with specialized internships only available to them. This provides ample opportunity to get much needed experience in NYC companies. It is also a paid internship opportunity which is a helpful perk when students are searching for jobs,” said Mullins. Interested students can utilize Handshake and filter postings according to the “Serving the City” tag to view available internships.

Additionally, Mast details new internships in her weekly Dean’s newsletter, which is shared with the student body.

Fordham Junior Researches the Historiography of Eastern Europe

By EMMA KARN STAFF WRITER

Amy Herd, FCRH ’25, an honors student double majoring in international studies and history with a Russian minor, is a student researcher who has just completed an ambitious summer project. According to Herd, she investigated “how Russian, Ukrainian, and Jewish historians’ treatment of the pre-Christian period in Eastern Europe informed the development of modern Slavic nationalisms.” The project, sensitive to the current geopolitical situation, had a focus on Ukraine. However, Herd was also inspired by her class on East European Jewish history and historiography, taught by Dr. Magda Teter, who eventually served as the mentor for her summer research project. Historiography, or the analysis of how history is written, is most effectively studied comparatively. Over the summer, Herd focused on three historians — George Vernadsky, Mykhailo Hrushevsky and Simon

Dubnow — with differing accounts of the pre-Christian period and interactions with other ethnicities. Vernadsky represented the Russian perspective, Hrushevsky wrote on Ukraine and Dubnow was a Russian-born Jew.

Anti-Semitism in Europe, while now politicized, has existed for centuries. Erasure of Jewish narratives in Eastern Europe is a phenomenon as old as the medieval era, and the feedback loop of violence toward marginalized communities and silence on the topic was one inspiration for Herd’s work this summer. “Western academia is very heavily Russified,” Herd said. “We don’t hear a lot about this.” Herd also focused on the differentiation of Ukrainian and Russian culture and traditions, and how this influenced the development of their respective nationalisms.

Historians are influenced by political dynamics of the time. “Their work is being politicized

and they are politicizing their own work,” Herd explained. She found Vernadsky’s work to be grounded in Russian political ideology. Because historical writing was being used to further political agendas, she expected and saw that the Russian historian cast the entire pre-Christian period as “Russian history.” Vernadsky scarcely mentioned Ukraine, and when he did he referred to it as “little Russia.” To Herd, this is not surprising. It was “a very common manifestation of the ‘Russkiy mir,’ or Russian world, ideology,” she said. As for Hrushevsky, he tended to focus on tribal — or ethnic — divisions and defining certain ones as Ukrainian. Hrushevsky emphasized diversity, but his methodology was questionable. More specifically, Hrushevsky used genetics to determine which groups could be identified as ancestors of modern-day Ukrainians, something that was a big indicator of anti-Semitism to come.” In his writings, Hrushevsky neglected

the Jewish presence in Eastern Europe.

Dubnow, on the other hand, gave power and legitimacy to the Jewish presence by writing about the Khazars, an autonomous Jewish empire and military power. Hrushevsky mentioned this group, but cast them as politically irrelevant. This is one startling example of erasure in history and one way that the anti-Semitic portrayal or conception of Jewish people in Eastern Europe came about. To Herd, the discovery of this erasure is interesting. “It is usually left out,” she said. “But actually seeing the ways it was written out of Ukraine’s history books can tell us a lot about why events such as the 20th-century pogroms and the Holocaust were allowed to happen.”

While reluctant to draw conclusions, and hoping for further insight, Herd learned that all three historians were “trying to cast their ethnicity as the earliest to inhabit the region because that brings legitimacy to their nation, their cul-

ture…” This long-term project will continue with a perusal of 19th- and 20th-century ethnographic journals, as well as the study of other historical works. Herd said that she remains curious as to how historians were “using these texts to build their idea of their ethnicities.”

An important takeaway from Herd: “One thing that I’m very interested in doing… is de-Russifying Western academia.” This is her overarching goal, and she hopes to expand her project in the future to include other Eastern European countries, such as Slovakia and Belarus. “Perpetuating Russian imperialism is especially problematic now,” Herd said. “It is very harmful when you consider a country with a whole other language, whole other culture, as part of another one, because that gives legitimacy to the imperial imaginations of the aggressor.”

Herd continues to call for awareness on this issue and other countries in conversation.

Serving the City offers paid internships for Fordham students at nonprofits.

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Serving the City first started in 2020 but was virtual because of COVID-19.

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Fordham Phases in Second Wave of Advising Program

FROM ADVISING, PAGE 1

equitable, inclusive, caring, and connected community” as the primary inspiration for the new advising system. Later on in the plan, the university states that they will “promote retention and graduation by redesigning policies and practices concerning academic advising, student support, and cocurricular engagement from the perspective of student success” by spring 2027.

Thus, in fall 2020, the Task Force on Undergraduate Academic Advising was born, and “charged with surveying students and faculty to understand what their goals are,” said Mast. Mast and Auricchio researched the efforts of other universities and what national organizations recommend, which is when the three-phrase advising model was established.

The Task Force completed their work in fall 2021. Both deans then “consulted with the community and offer[ed] listening sessions” in order to best understand the perspectives of students and faculty, said Mast.

“In the new system, which is still being phased in, all students will be supported by the Fordham College Advising Center. This center is led by a single Associate Dean for Academic Advising and is staffed with professional advisors who will support and advise

students throughout their undergraduate careers,” said Mast. “Our intent is that the new system will enhance opportunities for faculty to develop meaningful connections with students that may lead to undergraduate research partnerships, networking for internships, guidance for graduate or professional school, and more.”

The Fordham College Advising Center’s first phase was introduced in summer 2022, with a set of advisors specifically dedicated to providing support and guidance to first-year students. Its second phase was released in summer 2023, with a second set of advisors for the class of 2027. These advisors will be a part of the Center for First- and Second-Year Advising.

“The final phase is to launch the Center for Junior and Senior Advising,” said Mast. “Students will no longer have faculty advisors and instead will be assigned an advisor from that center. Faculty will transition from serving as core and major advisors to engaging in mentoring activities with students.”

Overall, this program is meant to better suit the university’s mission of “cura personalis,” described as “caring for the whole person.”

“The new approach provides holistic, student-centered support for our students throughout

their academic careers,” said Mast. “Through one-on-one conversations and group meetings, members of our new advising team develop trusting relationships with students and help them identify the classes, activities, and resources that will help them flourish as members of our University community.”

Opinions from first-year students have varied, but many have had a positive experience. “During registration, [my advisor] was extremely helpful,” said Katerina Kleinschmidt, FCRH ’27.

“I had questions about which French level to register for based on my self-assessment, and he gave me his two cents and other students’ experiences without being overbearing. Similarly, when I registered for an upper level political science elective, he assured me that if I had any follow-up concerns, he would be readily available for support. I’m planning on scheduling a meeting to go over a potential secondary major, and I have full faith that my advisor will help me plan for the best and most efficient route.”

Students may make an appointment with an available advisor at Keating 303 at Rose Hill or the eighth floor of Lowenstein at Lincoln Center or emailed their assigned advisor in their portal.

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Earn an advanced degree in 40+ career-focused programs at Fordham’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Fordham students can apply to master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, including:

• Master of Arts in Economics, Public Media, Urban Studies, and more

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Health Administration, Humanitarian Studies, and more

Learn more at fordham.edu/gsas or scan the QR code.

• Master of Theological Studies

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, English, History, and more

• Advanced certificates and training courses

• Accelerated master’s programs

fordham.edu/gsas

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The new system was created to try to better suit the needs of students.

R OPINION A Wonderfully “Fleabag,” Marvelously-Lost Senior Year

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918

The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses.

Website TheFordhamRam.com

Email Address theram@fordham.edu

Editor in Chief

Isabel Danzis

Managing Editor

Sebastian Diaz

Editorial Director

Jamison Rodgers

Production Editor

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Frances Schnepff

Business Director

Matthew Colucci

Copy Chief

Hannah Boring

Assistant Copy Chief

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News Editor

Emma Kim

Features Editor

Samantha Minear

Assistant News Editors

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Opinion Editor

Nicole Braun

Assistant Opinion Editors

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Culture Editors

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Assistant Culture Editor

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Sports Editors

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I’m pretty sure Fleabag and The Fordham Ram changed my life. I’m only half kidding.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s monologue in season two, much like my friends around the copy table, made me feel seen in a way I never thought was possible: “I want someone to tell me what to wear every morning… I want someone to tell me what to believe in, who to vote for, and who to love, and how to tell them. I just think I want someone to tell me how to live my life, Father, because so far I think I’ve been getting it wrong.”

“Fleabag” was the first time in my life that I saw someone who seemed just as lost, insecure and worried as me, and was brave enough to actually admit it. The second time was when I, after sharing my insecurities through thinly-veiled hypothetical questions for the critically-acclaimed production night philosophical debates, became silently relieved to hear those same insecurities courageously and unapologetically echoed over 11 p.m. cups of tea by people I had met only a few months prior. This From the Desk is a love letter to all of you, the inspirations in my life, signed by the eternally grateful, eternally lost assistant copy chief who can’t quite seem to figure it all out.

I went into this year thinking I would no longer see myself in “Fleabag.” I needed to have a more sophisticated version of the “Red (Taylor’s Version)” fall of 2021 — hopefully a fall that’s Lana Del Rey and “Stranger in the Alps” coded, with painted nails and dark brown eyeshadow and black mini skirts and platform Dr. Martens and perfect hair and even more perfect red wine. Senior me would be mysterious,

From the Desk | Sophia Forlenza

sarcastic, finish her readings well before she goes to copy night and refuse to care what people think about her. If I can emulate this girl, the one who’s perfectly put together, who knows everything she wants in life and isn’t afraid to reach out and seize it before it slips from her fingertips — if I can pretend to be her, then maybe the rest will fall into place.

But my left hand is useless, so I couldn’t paint the nails on my right hand if you promised me a million bucks. I used to be good at eyeshadow, but now it looks like a nine-year-old had her first sip of Mountain Dew and went to town. Skirts look weird on me. My Dr. Martens hurt like hell because I haven’t broken them in. I can’t tame my Lebanese hair. And I hate red wine. But junior year me was met with fibromyalgia flares, chronic stress and five-hour sleeps, so I can’t go back to being her, either.

Even if I could become the ever-elusive, Lana Del Reycoded dream girl, I can’t even find a matching pair of socks. So yes, “Fleabag.” I think I’ve been getting it wrong, too.

I’ve been getting it wrong since freshman year, and it doesn’t seem like I’ll be getting it right anytime soon. I’ve gone to more club intro meetings than I can count. I’ve dropped classes that I desperately wanted to take but couldn’t find the energy to keep up with, and begrudgingly stuck with ones I hated. I often wonder if I might have changed my career path had I explored other things I find interesting. Would I have made a good theologian? Anthropologist? Cybersecurity analyst? It pains me that I’ll never know. I changed my major from psych

to DTEM, declared a psychology minor and then changed it to film and television a year later. I thought I would have a plan by now, but I don’t. At the very least I know I wouldn’t have made a good psychologist.

I found stability in a few places, but most of all in the Ram. Having joined almost halfway through my college career, I felt I was too late. There were already established friendships, inside jokes and memories, and I was scared I’d walk into B-52 and be met with the deafening silence of shifting glances between best friends that say “Oh. She’s here.” So, in perfect Taylor Swift “Mastermind” fashion, I engaged in a series of calculated maneuvers to help my case: I brought vanilla milkshakes on my first copy night (a Pavlovian scheme inspired by my previously useless psychology classes), I joined their intramural volleyball team and I sent one too many anxietyinduced texts after we hung out to tell them I had a really great time. Maybe they would’ve preferred chocolate shakes, but it worked either way. Amidst my indecisiveness, fear and confusion, for the last year and a half, I’ve always been able to count on the Puglsey’s Pizza of Mondays, the philosophical debates of Tuesdays and the unconditional love and support of everyone at the Ram.

To Hannah, thank you for putting up with me in London; I hope that our late nights at Queen of Hoxton made up for my late morning sleeping habits. To Michael, thank you for the kindest postsemester letters I’ve ever read.

To Nicole D., thank you for being the only other person I know who’s on Wordle TikTok. To Nora,

Editorial | COVID-19 Testing

thank you for keeping me calm during long production night craziness by playing Minecraft with me. To Jamison, thank you for telling me when my “your mom” jokes don’t quite hit. To Nicole B., thank you for being the Hot Priest to my Fleabag this Halloween. To Isabel, thank you for the perfect day in Brighton. To Kari, thank you for making me laugh from across the room. To those who aren’t on staff anymore, Hanif and Amanda, thank you for our guitar jam sessions, and thank you for being my off-campus shuttle buddy.

The much-dreaded question of after college unfortunately grows closer. I don’t even want to think about what a post-Mugz life looks like. But the dream as of now is to be a television writer, though I’m a little wary about the industry. So maybe I’ll work longer than expected as a production assistant. Or maybe I’ll be an editor for a newspaper (I know who’s rooting for this option — his name rhymes with Bichael). Maybe, after struggling with the instability of a creative career and disheartened by my inability to write a show as genius as Fleabag, I’ll go to law school to be an entertainment lawyer.

I have absolutely no idea, but I’m starting to believe that’s okay. I think the secret is that everyone’s lost, even and especially if they don’t say it. Learn to be comfortable with chaos and uncertainty. Learn to take risks just for the sake of taking them. Allow yourself to be a little less Lana Del Rey and a little more Fleabag. Allow yourself to be lost and wander, because you’ll eventually end up exactly where you’re meant to be. Maybe you’ll end up at the copy table. And that’s pretty good too.

Fordham Needs to Roll With the Pandemic Punches

In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the COVID-19 international pandemic; however, as we move into cold and flu season, it is unsurprising that COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise again. With the WHO’s announcement, Fordham released their updated policies related to vaccinations, testing and isolation. Fordham’s policies have significantly relaxed from the guidelines that students were in compliance with for the past few years which was a necessary step for the place we are in with the pandemic; however, with the rise in cases on campus, some flaws in these revised policies have been starkly highlighted.

Currently, the university doesn’t have a vaccination requirement in place and has not announced whether the upcoming booster, approved by the FDA on Sept. 11, will be required for community members. As Fordham no longer requires the vaccine for anyone coming on to campus, the University Health Center no longer even stocks vials of the vaccine that they “strongly encourage.” A number of other policies are simply encouraged now instead of being required. Masking is suggested when feeling sick, in a large crowd or if case numbers start to

rise. Close contact notification is at the student’s discretion. Testing is still offered through the health center and while it is not required if feeling symptomatic, it is recommended. However, as with every measure listed above, this is at the student’s discretion if they would like to get tested.

All of these changes are understandable as the pandemic shifts from being a life-threatening situation to being something akin to the cold or flu — except for those with a condition that would make COVID-19 more dangerous. The one change that proves to be problematic is the isolation policy. Fordham no longer offers isolation rooms for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.

The university recommends going home to isolate in place of offering on-campus isolation rooms. This is a fine idea for anyone living within driving distance of the university. However, for those living on the other side of the country or for international students, this is simply not feasible. The solution to this problem that Fordham has offered is isolating in your dorm room. This is inherently contradictory to isolating as it directly exposes another person to the virus except for the rare student with a single room. Furthermore,

Fordham doesn’t even require isolating after testing positive — the language the health center uses is “should” isolate.

Fordham does not offer the student body a reason as to why it has done away with isolation housing. Guesses can be speculated with increasing class sizes and the same number of rooms available for more students, but Fordham has not explicitly said why they have done away with isolation rooms.

Looking outside of Fordham to the greater New York City area, there have been changes to the recommendations coming from NYC Health as well. They recommend having at least one booster dose, testing when symptomatic and wearing a mask in crowded areas or if numbers rise. New York’s policies reflect the same shoulds and recommendations that can be found in Fordham’s language as well.

The difference between the university’s policy and New York’s is related to isolation. While New York’s hotel isolation program has been suspended since March 2022, New York residents are still told to isolate themselves away from others, not encouraged to continue living in a communal setting.

While Fordham seems to be following a majority of the same

guidelines that New York has outlined, there are a few key differences in why Fordham’s recommendations pose a problem over New York’s. First, Fordham is not catering to only local residents who can isolate themselves from communal living conditions. They are catering to students from all over the world and offering the only true isolation option as returning to a permanent residence creates an inequity to international and long distance students. This also is unfair to roommates of these students as these isolation policies completely disregard their health. Furthermore, it indicates a disregard for anyone who has a condition that makes contracting COVID-19 severe.

The argument being made is not to bring back restrictive policies. It is important that the policies evolve as the pandemic evolves. However, the current isolation policy leaves the community vulnerable to a massive uptick in cases which threatens a return of restricted living that was commonplace the last time cases swelled. Fordham needs to take improved isolation action before our cases get out of control and require a vast shift in guidelines. The last thing anyone wants is a return to past restrictions.

McConnell’s Health Concerns Show Why Congress Needs Term Limits

By BEN OPPENHEIMER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Our elected officials serving in the United States Congress do not represent us. This issue has only been getting worse over time. In 1981, when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated, the average age of a congressman in the House of Representatives was 48, and the average age of a member of the Senate was 52. Today, in 2023, the average age of the House is 58, and for the Senate, 65. The 118th Congress, which began in January of this year, is the third-oldest since 1789. For most Americans, the age of 65 is usually a time where one begins to settle down and prepare for retirement. But when you’re a politician in Washington, D.C., you get to play by different rules.

Mitch McConnell, the current minority leader of the U.S. Senate, a Republican, had two significant health episodes this summer that put into question his ability to serve out the rest of his term. In late July of this summer, McConnell abruptly stopped talking mid-sentence while making opening remarks about an annual defense policy bill. After almost 20 seconds of silence, he was escorted away from the press by Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming. When McConnell came back to meet the press a few minutes later, he simply said he was “fine,” and an aide said that he was

just feeling “lightheaded.” It would be within reason to assume that this health episode was a fluke and that McConnell and his aide were correct in saying that he was physically well. That is, until McConnell had another episode of speechlessness at an event in his home state of Kentucky on Aug. 30. Like the first time in July, McConnell appeared to freeze for an extended period of time as he was asked a question from the press. He was, again, escorted away from the press by an aide.

After both of these incidents, McConnell made a statement when he returned to the Senate in D.C., saying, “One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention, but I assure you that August was a busy and productive month for me.” His senate office also released a statement from his physician saying that there was no evidence that McConnell experienced a stroke, Parkison’s or any other kind of movement disorder. Regardless of what his physician says, many of the senator’s colleagues still have concerns about his health, and the American people have a right to be too. Regardless of whatever ailment McConnell has or potentially has, his health episodes this summer are a symptom of a larger problem.

The average American is 38 years old. As mentioned in the

beginning of this article, the average age of the current U.S. Congress is more than 20 years older. How can Americans, particularly as millennials and Gen Z become the majority of the electorate later this decade, expect their elected officials to be in touch with their needs when they come from a completely different generation? Particularly in regards to critical issues like climate change or economic inequality, Gen Z and millennials certainly have more to lose than those of the silent generation, which is what the 81-year-old McConnell is a part of. So what is the solution to this generational divide between our politicians and the American people? Term limits.

In the way Congress is currently set up, members of the House have two-year terms and can run for reelection for as many years as they want to. For the Senate, the rules are the same, but the term length is six years, not two. I believe that term limits on members of both the Senate and the House would significantly curtail the issue of older politicians serving way past their prime, like McConnell, or other senators such as California’s 90-yearold Dianne Feinstein. The term limits could potentially be four years, with a limit of two terms, which would be the same as the office of the presidency. But that’s not all. More provisions could be added, such as a maximum age limit for elected

officials, which polls say over 75% of Americans would support. It could also potentially be one of the few initiatives that enjoy bipartisan support, as 76% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans would approve of maximum age limits for elected officials. Passing a law that includes term and age limits for Congress would help incentivize more young people to run for office and get millennials and Gen Z more politically involved. Part of the reason young people don’t vote is because they feel that voting doesn’t change anything, that out-of-touch politicians don’t care about them or, arguably most importantly, that politicians don’t represent them. It is easy to understand why they feel that way when the senators and representatives that make up Congress are decades older and millions of dollars wealthier than they are. And so, even when turnout among young voters for the 2022 midterms was the second highest in 30 years, still only 27% of voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the election. Those are abysmal numbers. To get higher youth turnout in our national elections, our politicians should also reflect the youth of the voters that help get them elected.

Age concerns about elected officials are not just focused on those serving in Congress, but are also fixed on the two biggest candidates in the 2024 presidential election, President Joe Biden and former President

Donald Trump. Over 77% of adults think Biden, who is 80 and will turn 81 this year, is “too old to effectively serve four more years.” This view is shared across party lines. For Democrats and independent voters who are desperately looking to prevent former President Donald Trump from entering the White House again, Biden’s age could potentially be the factor that causes him to lose the 2024 election. If age limits for the office of the presidency were put in place, America would not be in the precarious position of having to choose between two elderly, unpopular candidates. But here we are.

Americans deserves to have elected officials who are capable of fulfilling their legislative and executive duties throughout their time in office. But without term and age limits, politicians such as McConnell and Feinstein will continue to feel free to be in office as long as they want, even if their health and age begin to show signs that they should retire. Wanting our politicians to be young enough to understand our social and political needs isn’t ageism or ableism. It’s simply a reasonable part of having a functioning democracy that is in touch with the demographics and demands of its citizens.

Gender Roles, Cinema and the Summer of Barbenheimer

By KELLY STANTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Before I begin this opinion article, I would like to remind readers that feminism is not misandry. Feminism advocates for the rights of women to achieve equality, whereas misandry is the belief that women are inherently better than men. Feminism benefits all genders by advocating for the eradication of the patriarchy, which harms everybody, not just women. A lot of people fear feminism because they believe it is misandry. This is not so. Please keep this in mind while reading this article.

I love a lot of things about the Barbenheimer summer. I love the pink brunch menu that Cafe Landwer put together and seeing fans dress up to go to the movies. I love the TikToks and memes that people post about them. I have absolutely fallen victim to the aggressive marketing campaign, and at this point I like it so much I don’t want to leave. But the thing I love the most about Barbenheimer summer is the renewed interest in discussing feminist theory and gender roles in the United States. “Barbie” outwardly addresses these issues

and how the patriarchy affects both men and women. However, “Oppenheimer” continues to uphold misogynistic views about women and villainizes the women who had relationships with J. Robert Oppenheimer.

After watching both films, I can’t help but feel like both of them are reflections of the United States’ views towards gender roles at this particular point in time. There’s no doubt that things are changing in Hollywood. The #MeToo movement gave voices to people who had been abused in the entertainment industry by people with power. San Diego University reported a rise in female directors since 1998: “Women who direct experienced the largest gains, rising from 9% in 1998 to 18% in 2022.” 18% of all movies being directed by women is a pathetic statistic, but progress is progress.

I think the reason why “Barbie” resonated with so many people is that it was written and directed by a woman. Who else but Greta Gerwig could write a heartbreaking monologue about how impossible it is to be a woman? “Barbie” also offers up some sort of utopia that nobody has ever seen on

screen before. In Barbieland there’s no harassment from men, and women are actually listened to. Everyone is nice to each other and it’s girls’ night every night. Who wouldn’t want to live there? Unfortunately this utopia comes at the expense of the autonomy of the Kens. The Kens don’t have real jobs and exist only as accessories to the Barbies. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

The primary gripe that I have with with “Oppenheimer” lies in its depiction of women, specificaly Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty. She is portrayed as an uncaring mother and alcoholic wreck. She only “redeems” herself at the end of the movie when she testifies on behalf of her husband in a closed-door hearing. Jean Tatlock, the woman that Oppenheimer is having an affair with, shuffles around without clothes on for 90% of the scenes she’s in. Lilli Horning is briefly mentioned and has even less screen time than the other women, despite being very involved in the Manhattan Project. What about all of the other female scientists who worked at Los Alamos? Where was Elda Anderson, Frances Dunne or Mary Frankel? The women

in the movie are treated as props, with no real story arcs of their own. Oppenheimer had the opportunity to be a great film that extolled the hard work of scientists of all backgrounds and identities, but instead falls into the common trope of a special white guy with a weapon. This movie is also incredibly flattering towards the U.S. military.

Both movies are far from perfect. “Barbie” isn’t the perfect feminist utopian film, and “Oppenheimer” glorifies a weapon of mass destruction. Yet, they both contain truths about our preconceived notions of gender.

“Barbie” still touts pink feminine clothing while pursuing

her career ambitions. Only three women have speaking roles in “Oppenheimer.” At least “Barbie” tries to take a stab at the patriarchy, while “Oppenheimer” upholds misogynistic Hollywood narratives. “Oppenheimer” is everything the film industry has been towards women, but “Barbie” is everything that the film industry could be. If more movies are directed by women and for women, then gender dynamics in Hollywood and onscreen can change for good.

Ben Oppenheimer, FCRH ’24, is a film and television major fromHempstead,N.Y.

Kelly Stanton, FCRH ’25, is an American studies and art historymajorfromBoston,Mass.

A director’s gender impacts how the different genders are portrayed on-screen. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Ethical Thrifting Is Essential to Keeping Thrift Stores Accessible

By KEAGAN OSTOP CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Thrifting has emerged as one of the most favored ways of shopping. Influenced by social media stars like Emma Chamberlain and the rising trend of #thrifttok, Gen Z adopted second-hand shopping, making it more popular than ever. The appeal lies in discovering distinctive, affordable garments while promoting sustainable fashion. Gen Z has ardently embraced this shopping approach as a more eco-friendly way to purchase clothing. Thrifting has become a leisure activity, moving away from necessity and gentrifying stores nationwide. I don’t think we should stop thrifting; I encourage you to start, however it is necessary to know how thrifting links to gentrification and how to thrift without harming marginalized communities.

Thrifting as a means of buying clothing is significantly more sustainable than the traditional fashion industry or fast fashion. The fashion industry ranks as the second largest pollutant, after the oil and gas sector. The fashion industry consumes about 93 billion cubic meters of water, contributing to water scarcity and generating 20% of global industrial water pollution. The sector also emits about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and produces 92 million tons of textile waste

annually. The mass production of fashion and the prevalence of fast fashion have devastating effects on the environment, which is why thrifting has gained momentum as a countermeasure.

Thrifting is successful at keeping more clothes out of landfills, reducing chemical and carbon pollution, lowering water consumption and offering a distinctive avenue of self-expression at a lower cost.

However, this sustainable practice is not staying accessible. The rise in popularity among thrift stores is hurting lower-income communities who rely on these stores out of necessity. The increase in popularity has caused an influx in prices, making thrift stores inaccessible to the working class. The practice of thrift shopping encompasses more than just acquiring second-hand, economical and one-of-akind garments. What was formerly an essential way for individuals with limited financial means to get clothing is now being undermined by wealthy individuals and the excessive consumption of clothing.

At 17, during the COVID-19 lockdown, tired of the everchanging Instagram trends, Chloe Ting workouts and my failed attempts at making whipped coffee, I spent hours in my room, gazing at the clothing items I never wore in my closet, feeling inspired

to create a Poshmark account and start selling them. Platforms like Poshmark and Depop provide a convenient way to earn money and engage in a sustainable fashion industry. I was one of many to embrace this increasingly popular fashion realm. Today, over 45 million people use platforms like Poshmark and Depop to resell thrift clothes for two to three times the original price. When shoppers resell merchandise for a significantly higher price, it causes thrift stores to increase their pricing to meet demand, which causes the store to become gentrified. This negatively impacts the lower-income communities that rely on these stores out of necessity.

When it comes to getting rid of old clothes that no longer fit or aren’t worn as much, it is essential to consider other options for giving back sustainably without contributing to the gentrification of thrifting. Salvation Army and Goodwill are traditionally known as accessible places to buy clothing, but these companies aren’t all they seem to be. Thrift stores only resell 20% of clothes donated; the rest are dumped in the global south, contributing to pollution and landfills. Goodwill has also gained notoriety for grossly underpaying employees with disabilities. It is best to seek local options, such as at schools and religious institutions that conduct

clothing drives, as these initiatives often directly benefit the community.

The act of thrifting is not the problem. I encourage you to continue thrifting, and if you don’t already, start. We should continue to engage in this eco-friendly practice! Practicing this sustainable option is crucial in addressing the fact that the fashion industry contributes significantly to pollution. However, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the negative consequences of gentrification that link to thrifting. These challenges should not discourage the sustainable action of thrifting but should be reflected on to keep stores accessible for everyone. When visiting a thrift store, be mindful of your location, purchases and motivation. Even

though thrifting is sustainable, overconsumption still has adverse effects. Refrain from bulk purchases and reselling clothes for inflated prices. If you have the means, support sustainable businesses beyond thrift stores. If you visit a thrift store in a lower-income neighborhood, avoid contributing to the high demand for less available products and consider giving back directly. Instead of selling, consider donating clothes, household items and more to organizations serving marginalized societies or homeless shelters. Thrifting is a crucial practice, and it is necessary we exercise it in a way that keeps it accessible.

We Owe Our OLs a “Thank You”

By MIA LUDINGTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Every year, new students from across the country and around the world join together at Fordham’s Rose Hill Campus for orientation. This two-day program is filled minute-to-minute with activities that range from talks on safety and classes to a carnival complete with a mechanical bull. Although the orientation process at Fordham may, from a distance, seem overwhelming or unnecessarily burdensome, with the start of new student orientation students are given the opportunity to not only join their small groups, but the community of Fordham as a whole.

The process begins with your introduction to the small group which will become the center of your orientation experience. Each group has around twenty students in it and two orientation leaders. These groups give new students time to meet with their peers and upperclassmen, discuss the day ahead of them or grab a bite to eat together. Providing an environment for students to form connections

really helps to create an open and welcoming experience for students to take part in.

The orientation leaders themselves did an incredible job in ensuring each and every student in their group felt comfortable and welcomed. They gave students advice regarding classes, clubs and more which helped unsure and nervous students take a breath and jump into the next few days with ease. Orientation leaders went through a week-long training process in order to lead orientation, and the enthusiasm shown by each and every orientation leader proved just how much this position meant to them all. Leaders went out of their way to meet up with students before the day started and get a cup of coffee with them. Or to go get a slice of pizza during their designated breaks just to show new students their favorite places in town and make them feel welcomed.

One of the best things about orientation was students being given the opportunity to form bonds with their upperclassmen orientation leaders, and gain a few familiar faces.

Throughout the days, new students are given numerous talks to learn about the Fordham experience and campus protocols. These talks incorporate information in a way that both entertains and informs new students about topics that are not easily discussed or talked about, such as sexual assault or substance abuse. By sharing information surrounding difficult subjects, students are provided with an assurance of a safe environment to confide in, and knowledge about different resources in times of need. Although these talks are helpful, there were instances where students were not paying attention, or just did not seem interested in them.

While the second day of talks was full of energy and faculty speakers even included the students in their talks, the first day was a lot of information in a very short amount of time. It may have been helpful for these talks to be dispersed over the orientation period so students could stay focused on the important information in many of the presentations. Regardless of this, these talks were very helpful in reassuring

students’ concerns or questions, and allowed them to understand many topics in a deeper manner.

If one thing about orientation could be changed, it would be the time. Students, and orientation leaders especially, were put under pressure to make sure students got to one side of campus from the complete opposite end in very short time periods. Trying to move the large student body of the new class took much longer than it seemed was expected. This forced presentations to be shortened and left students without the full extent of information they were supposed to be provided with. By giving more time between talks, or designated time for students to travel to their next destination, the orientation process would be less stressful for orientation leaders and more rewarding for new students.

It may have been better if orientation could have been split up into a different timeline, possibly by extending it by a day. This way students would be able to take breaks during the day and the entire orientation would feel much

less rushed. However, with all being said, the orientation leaders did an excellent job at keeping students organized and remaining calm under the pressure they must have been feeling.

The orientation process had so many rewarding qualities that it is difficult to only focus on aspects that are not positive. Some may find orientation unnecessary or burdensome, but the process is so much more than that. Focusing on only the negative aspects of orientation, students will not be as rewarded from all the incredible things that come with orientation. Even after completing the first week of classes, it can be said with confidence that orientation helped to prepare my classmates and I for school. It was because of the orientation process that students were able to navigate themselves through campus without getting lost, make some of our first Fordham friends and feel ready to take on this new chapter of our lives.

There are measures that need to be taken to keep thrifting sustainable. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Keagan Ostop, FCRH ’25, is a journalism major from West Hartford, Conn.

Fusion Foods: Are They Appropriation or Appreciation?

By SAISHA ISLAM STAFF WRITER

In a more interconnected world than ever before, it is inevitable that people will have access to learn about different cuisines. The ease of travel and globalization have contributed to locations like New York becoming a melting pot of flavors and cultures and the increasing popularity of fusion food. Fusion cuisine is “a style of cuisine that blends culinary traditions from different parts of the world,” or foods which “use a variety of ingredients from other cuisines and regions.” But questions remain whether fusion cuisine is appreciation or appropriation and how to make this distinction less confusing.

While fusion food can bring out the best of two different cultures, many worry that it can also diminish cultures if done for the wrong reasons.

Due to the popularity of fusion foods, it can take away from or even lead to misunderstandings of a culture if a restaurant promotes fusion cuisine due to trendiness or popularity. Lazily merging two different cuisines just to increase a restaurant’s profits promotes fusion food in the wrong direction. Instead, fusion food requires more “intention in the recipes,

with alterations that show creativity and cultural exchange.”

Fusion food is supposed to require research and experimentation to find what flavor profiles of two cultures best fit together. While some may think that two different foods go together, in reality, they may not. In fusion cuisine, it is recommended to focus on “taste as opposed to novelty, which can serve current and future chefs well as they look to develop their own recipes.” Additionally, intense research about different cultures is crucial because food is a key aspect of culture, and there should be respect for the culture behind the dish.

Growing up as someone from a Bengali background, the food I ate was made fun of by others for being too different or foreign. It is an interesting and confusing feeling to see fusion food utilizing the same foods I ate growing up but in a more approachable western manner. On one hand, adaptations of cultural foods I grew up with can range from interesting twists that I enjoy to obvious cash grabs with no regard for the culture or origin behind it. It is on this thin line that cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation lies. The determining factor I use to distinguish

between the two is mostly due to the care and effort put behind fusion food. Cultural appropriation to me is “neglecting the fact that food is directly related to culture by whitewashing ingredients and recipes of the global majority.” It presents the image of white-washed cultural food with no effort or creativity to showcase cultural exchange thoughtfulness for the culture behind the dish. This image is especially complicated when fusion food is “presented to the world by a non-ethnic individual.” The thin line between cultural appropriation and appreciation shows how important it is to remain cognizant of the cultural exchange in food and its background.

I’m not saying that all fusion food is bad, but using cultural food just for profit without looking into the origin behind it or being creative with it gives off a disingenuous feeling and a lack of respect for the culture behind the food. In fact, fusion food can be fun with original combinations and is a great way to link two cultures when it is done respectfully. Fordham added a new food station in Urban Kitchen over the summer with Aramark called Vindy. Vindy is an Indian-inspired spot and offers a few new meal options to students including

the tikka masala rice bowl, vindaloo kati roll and vegan samosa. While Vindy claims it is an “Indian Inspired Eatery,” this doesn’t excuse them from criteria for an appreciative fusion restaurant as they use aspects of Indian dishes. Looking at Vindy’s menu, it seems there are a lot of aspects of popular Indian food integrated into typical food found at Fordham, which differs greatly from the richer fare seen at traditional Indianowned restaurants. This comparison though is not exactly fair as Vindy’s use of the word “inspired” hints that it incorporates some parts

of Indian food into western cuisine, rather than just serving traditional Indian food. Vindy could serve as a gateway for some students at Fordham to try more traditional Indian food and could be qualified as appreciative rather than appropriating, as long as it remains respectful and honest about the Indian ingredients used in its food.

More Than An Icon: How Female Role Models Shape Progress

By GRACE McNELIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There’s a direct connection between your response to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and the women you look up to in your life.

When you’re younger the question isn’t as intimidating. Answers generally range from police officer, to astronaut to ballerina and, if you’re like me, the answer during your preschool graduation was “a mom.”

However, as time goes on, the question becomes more daunting. It evolves from a simple question aimed to spark imagination to a dreaded, anxiety-inducing conversation that happens around the dining room table every holiday dinner.

While the wording may shift to inquiring about intended majors, internships and, eventually, future jobs, the answers to these questions are rooted in the same place they were in preschool: role models.

A lot of us have been told since our earliest years that we can be and do anything we want. If we set our minds to it, there shouldn’t be anything stopping us. What we learn as we get older — which isn’t necessarily taught — is

that we live in a world where sexism and traditional gender roles are still alive and well. The world often dictates (or at least tries to) distinct paths for girls and boys. As we encounter other women throughout life who spark a drive within us, we are exposed to a vital counterbalance that has the ability to shape our future.

Seeing is believing. When young girls and women are able to see for themselves what they are capable of, the opportunities are endless. We are fortunate enough to have grown up in a time where, as our ages rose, so did the number of women we saw breaking the glass ceiling. From the first woman Vice President of the United States to the first woman referee to officiate a Super Bowl, we are witnessing an era of never-before-seen accomplishments made by women. These accomplishments are tangible evidence for young girls that women are not confined to the limitations that society attempts to impose upon them.

Role models bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. From childhood to adulthood, our minds are flooded with different dreams that we hope to accomplish one day. These dreams often seem distant and, at times, unattainable.

Your role models close the divide between a far-fetched hope to a possible reality that doesn’t seem so distant after all. At the same time, they offer insight into more than just professional success. They’re living proof that you can forge your own path and take charge of your life — professional and personal successes are realistic. Set ambitious goals, embrace leadership roles and, most importantly, pursue your interests — no matter how farfetched they may seem.

When I applied for my internship at CNN, I likely would not have been as confident to do so if Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper were the only journalists on my screen. While their work and talent are equally important, it was women such as Erin Burnett, Poppy Harlow, Kaitlan Collins and Dana Bash who paved the way for my ambition. If they can do it, so can I, I thought. Toward the end of my internship, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet two of my own personal role models: Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. After bumping into Poppy one day before I made my way to my desk, I was graciously invited to shadow the set of “CNN This Morning.” In addition to the

behind-the-scenes look into how their show is produced, I was awarded a first-hand view into their resilience, kindness and intelligence. These attributes are exactly what I have been searching for in role models since I was a little girl; seeing the magic in person only affirmed that these women are exactly who I aspire to be and can be. I ran into Poppy by chance, but what I gained was even more confidence that I could do whatever I wanted to do because of women just like them.

We’re surrounded by role models in all walks of life — not just in the professional world. From our mothers, our favorite musical artists, the teachers we still remember from middle

school, to the woman whose job we hope to have someday… We probably have more than we even realize and, oftentimes, their impact isn’t understood until much later.

As girls continue to move forward and step past the shards of the glass ceiling broken by women before them, know that they may be looking toward you, just as we have looked towards those before us.

“Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”

Grace McNelis, FCRH ’24, is a political science major from Philadelphia, Penn.

It is important to recognize the cultures where our food originates.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Saisha Islam, FCRH ’25, is a biology major from New York, N.Y.

Women in leadership positions are models and inspirations for young girls.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Wisconsin’s Democracy is on Life Support

By EVAN McMANUS ASST. OPINION EDITOR

Wisconsin’s status as a healthy democracy is currently in question. In recent days, Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly have considered impeaching the newly elected liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has stated his reasoning for impeaching Justice Protasiewicz would be for her accepting a $10 million donation from Wisconsin’s Democratic Party during her campaign for a Supreme Court seat. Speaker Vos may be trying to present himself as a crusader against corruption, but dig a little deeper, and the real reason reveals itself. The election of Justice Protasiewicz and the resulting liberal court majority threatens the heavily gerrymandered Republican Assembly, and her possible impeachment is a sinister attempt to preserve their power.

During the 2010 “Red Wave,” Republicans gained the Wisconin governor’s office and both branches of the state legislature. The state’s electoral shift was welltimed for the Republicans, since 2011 was a reapportionment. Reapportionment is when state legislatures redraw electoral districts, which are used in elections for the next decade. They used the opportunity that

the reapportionment process provided to design districts that maximized the odds of a Republican candidate winning. This process is known as gerrymandering. The politcal geography of Wisconsin’s has made it easy for the Republicans to gerrymander the state. Most Democratic voters are packed into urban areas of the state, while most of the Republicans are spread out in rural parts throughout the state. As a result, the maps Republicans passed in 2011 were absurdly gerrymandered. Wisconsin’s state and federal level elections were close throughout the 2010s.

Nonetheless, Republicans held a comfortable majority in the state legislature for the whole decade and would do anything to maintain it. The most jaw-dropping example of this was during the 2018 elections. Democratic candidates running for the State Assembly won 54% of the popular vote. Republicans won 63 of 99 assembly seats. The Democratic governor candidate, Tony Evers, managed to get elected. Since his win threatened the Republicans’ power, they took action. As a result, laws were that severely weakened the governor’s power to do many things without the state legislature’s permission. In 2021, the State Assembly redrew the electoral maps to be almost identical to previous decades’ gerrymandered

maps. Governor Evers challenged the maps, but the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s conservative majority allowed the gerrymandered maps to stay in place. However, circumstances have recently changed in a way that radically challenges Republicans’ control.

The election of Justice Protasiewicz in April was an earth-shattering disruption to the status quo. In a state where elections are decided on razor-thin margins, she won an 11-point victory. Her win flipped the Supreme Court into a liberal majority, and ramifications were instantaneous. The day after Justice Protasiewicz was sworn in, organizations sued to challenge Wisconsin’s gerrymandered maps. This lawsuit is the most severe threat to the Republican’s power since the creation of the maps. As a result, they went into self-preservation mode. As mentioned earlier, Republicans have stated that they will have to impeach her if she does not recuse herself from the gerrymandering case due to accepting a political donation. When the conservatives controlled the Supreme Court, retired judges asked the court to ban rulings on cases where they received donations from the individuals or organizations in the lawsuit. Instead of being concerned about judicial integrity, the court ruled that there was no need for judges to re -

cuse themselves. Although conservatives had no issue with campaign donations in the past, they are suddenly gravely concerned about the integrity of the court. When reading Speaker Vos’s comments in this context, his argument for impeachment becomes so stupid that it is frankly insulting. In spite of that, the reasoning behind impeaching her does not matter because they have the power to do it and do not need a good reason to justify it.

The most disturbing part of the plan would be that after her impeachment in the Assembly, Republicans may be in no rush to start a trial in the Senate. Justice Protasiewicz could become stuck in a limbo land where she won’t be allowed to rule on any cases, and Governor Evers couldn’t appoint a replacement. If this were to happen, the liberal court’s majority would cease to be. I want to emphasize to readers who may not follow politics that this is not normal, and its implications would be terrible for Wisconsin and its people.

In a healthy democracy, when a person casts their vote, they should be confident that their vote will count and have a consequence in there community. Sadly for Wisconsin voters, the gerrymandered districts have caused every election to be a premeditated Republican victory.

In the eyes of numerous Republican lawmakers, it seems the only election result that counted was 2010, and every other election result since then is irrelevant. Every time this decade, when Republicans have taken action to cement their power, they have been laughing at the idea that elections should have consequences. They have achieved what they wanted, which is power for the sake of power, and they will fight tooth and nail to preserve it to the detriment of Wisconsin.

But it would be wrong to leave this story thinking that democracy is doomed in Wisconsin. Despite the Democrats being dealt a terrible hand in 2011, they decided to play the long game. Their inspiring persistence over the decade allowed for the wins of Gov. Evers and Justice Protasiewicz.

The constant challenges have molded the Wisconsin Democratic Party into one of the most competent political organizations in the country. If the Republicans’ gerrymander was an attempt to silence Democrats, it backfired.

That’s why their attempt at impeaching the fairly elected Justice Protasiewicz will end in failure.

Evan McManus, FCRH ’25, is a political science major from Dover, Mass.

Find the Fantastic Florals of Mt. Carmel Flower Shop

By ERYNN SWEENEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

We are probably all familiar with the hustle and bustle of the Bronx happening outside of campus gates — horns honking, trains passing, people walking and something always going on. But with all the vibrancy that takes place on the streets that surround our school, it can be easy to forget that many local businesses, who lost customers during the pandemic, long for some of that hustle and bustle to visit their stores. And although we all frequent the Casas, Avenue Gyros and Estralitas of our beloved Arthur Ave., it’s not just the restaurants who need business post-pandemic. One local business I would like to highlight in this article is a florist called Mt. Carmel Flower Shop, which you will find if you venture a few steps past Arthur Ave. to 634 E 187th St.

Right across the street from Fresh and Healthy, Mt. Carmel can save you a trip to the city when you’re in a pinch on special occasions and act as a way for you to support a local business. Forgot it’s your anniversary tomorrow and don’t have time to take the MetroNorth into Manhattan? Just remembered that your boss put you in charge of picking up decorative flowers for a faculty meet and greet? Have a boring dorm room because you had class

during the poster sale outside McShane center? No worries; walk a few blocks from campus and you will have all you need. Whether you’re thinking of ways to let your special someone know you care, searching for high quality flowers for your next big event or trying to find creative ways to spice up a dull space, Mt. Carmel’s your place.

The shop has been serving the Bronx community for 27 years — 13 years on Hoffman St. and 14 years in its current location — with a small footprint, but lots of character. When you enter under the red awning, you will probably be greeted by the smile of a lovely woman named Patricia, one of the shop’s owners, and, if you’re lucky, by Lia, a gentle cat who resides in the store’s right corner and doesn’t mind when new customers come in to say hello. Mt. Carmel offers a wide selection of flowers like roses, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, peonies, irises, sunflowers, tulips, daisies and lilies — of which Patricia’s favorites are peonies and hydrangeas. Roses are their most popular sale, which you can buy for about $35-$40 per bouquet, depending on the season. Flowers can be a bit pricey anywhere you go, but the shop understands; they are willing to help us out by charging no tax for Fordham students! If you’re looking to keep it simple, you can buy flowers in singles or

bunches, like my roommate and I did when we purchased baby’s breath to act as the centerpiece of our windowsill in our Alumni Court South dorm room.

If you’re searching for something a bit fancier, you can also buy bouquets or arrangements — Mt. Carmel offers round boxes with red roses, heart-shaped arrangements with sunflowers, wedding bouquets with white roses, centerpieces with 100 or more flowers and even some arrangements that include huge teddy bears for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Mt. Carmel pieces together these arrangements with special care, and the combination of highquality flowers with deeply listening to customer-specific requests results in a product that makes people exclaim, “This is just what I wanted!” These handcrafted masterpieces that come from the garden, to the shop counter, to the world are a clear expression of the owners’ experience and commitment to detail. Anyone who sees the final products would be able to appreciate the particular placement of each flower, the decisions about which color carnations would best accent a red rose and the finishing touches like ribbons and decorative butterflies that piece everything together.

For 27 years, Mt. Carmel has been spreading joy, putting smiles on peoples’ faces and restoring peoples’ faith that the

little things do make a difference. The shop has been more than a small building near Arthur Ave. that customers walk in and out of; it has been a vessel for people in the Bronx community to show their care for one

another. With continued support from Fordham students and the rest of the Bronx community, the Mt. Carmel Flower Shop can continue to thrive and make a difference from its little corner of the world.

Best Bagels On Campus at Bronx Bagel Company

By GABRIELLA NISCO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From the addition of destination dining to food trucks, updates from Fordham’s campus dining may go unnoticed. In case you missed it, a New York-style bagel shop is new to the scene, and it is worth the meal swipe.

On the bottom floor of the McShane Campus Center and past the club suite is Dagger John’s — a dining hub that opened its third dining counter, Bronx Bagel Company (BBC). The newly launched bagel shop is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and occupies the bar at the entrance.

As a dining location dedicated to bagels, the menu offers nine different types of fresh, locally sourced bagels ranging from rainbow to jalapeno. The assortment of spreads is diverse and is reminiscent of Zucker’s or Tompkins Square Bagels, with offerings like olive and bacon tomato cream cheese. If you are brave enough, you can concoct a bagel with the most unique flavor profiles or stay as plain as you would like.

Compared to BBC’s competitor, Salt and Sesame, Dagger John’s bagel shop expands its focus from breakfast sandwiches to a heartier meal swipe with thousands of possible combinations. Unlike the traditional

breakfast-style bagels found at Salt and Sesame, the ability to add meats like pastrami and turkey is an exciting way to get creative with a mid-day lunch sandwich. If the menu is too overwhelming to look at, BBC sells their “Chef’s Specials,” which could be anything from a Chicken BLT to a Reuben.

For guests with dietary restrictions, gluten-free bagels are available, and the option to build your own sandwiches allows for an easy way to accommodate specific diets.

Vegetarians can take advantage of the build-your-own menu to get innovative with their orders, as there’s a large selection of spreads, meatless salads, cheeses and toppings to choose from. Those following a vegan diet might have more difficulty building a sandwich as the plant-based spreads and salads are limited. Luckily, Tofutti — a dairyfree cream cheese — is available and can be paired with vegetable toppings.

From Sunday breakfasts to trying the best bagel spots in Manhattan, I have had my fair share of smoked salmon bagels throughout the years. So, when studying the menu of bagel options, it did not take long for me to decide on ordering “The Deli,” a specialty sandwich blanketed in cream

cheese topped with Atlantic smoked salmon, red onion and capers on a sesame bagel.

After waiting 25 minutes, my order was finally ready and presented in a checkered tray with my bagel wrapped and cut in aluminum foil. The first bite was complete with a burst of flavors and fresh ingredients. All the fixings were evenly distributed and generous — especially the lox spilling out of my sandwich, which tasted high quality and was a delicious way to get an intake of protein. As for the usual suspects, the tomato was juicy, the cream cheese was whipped, the onion was crunchy and the caper was present.

The bagel was thick and tasted homemade — bonus points for the bagels being toasted nicely instead of warmed like at other on-campus dining locations. Cosi and Salt and Sesame bagels are chewier with an overpowering floury aftertaste, but this bagel tasted far from store-bought and emulated a New York authenticity.

From the quality, I was shocked that a meal swipe had paid for this, as I would easily pay $11 for this sandwich in Manhattan. Also included in a meal swipe is juice or coffee and a side of fruit. So, if you have a lot of meal swipes to spare and a passion for finding a

sandwich that satisfies all your cravings, play around with the menu and discover that there is a dining location you will never get bored of.

My only complaint is that the ordering process could have been more straightforward, as there is no clear direction or designated area to order. The ordering line is at the closest corner to the entrance, which became a hazard when the line of people pours into the hallway. With only

two workers behind the counter, the process takes a while and would be inconvenient for anyone looking to grab a bite in a rush. However, I would also love to see this spot open on the weekends for an affordable way to get a delicious bagel.

Fordham Campus Dining is shining through its new poster child and deserves all the love and attention. Next to all the other spots on campus, Bronx Bagel Company ranks second to its neighbor, BONMi.

Dagger John’s newest addition upgrades the on-campus bagel.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM Arthur Avenue’s flower shop offers the perfect place to buy flowers.

Junior Shares Her Passion For International Law

By ALLISON SCHEIDER ASST. OPINION EDITOR

I walked into Fordham’s favorite off-campus coffee shop and was immediately greeted by the familiar smells of espresso and warm bread. I headed towards a small table in the shop’s back right corner as the pumpkin-spiced air settled in around me. It felt like ages since I’d talked to her.

Amy Herd, FCRH ’25, was one of the first people I met at Fordham, and is still one of the coolest. She ordered an iced mocha while I ordered an iced vanilla latte, and we sat down to talk. “Prince is the best place to tell secrets,” she said in her usual candor. And so that’s what we did.

30 minutes passed before I finally remembered why I asked to meet in the first place. Herd is one of those people who you can talk to about anything. Her self-described “grunge meets pre-professional” style is equal parts comforting and authoritative. She fits right in with the dark wood and decor of the coffee shop, which she takes pictures of on her phone as we settle in to chat.

“Let’s start with the basics,” I began. “Name, pronouns, major and minor?”

“Amy Lee Herd. Any pronouns. International studies and history double major with a minor in Russian, which sometimes gets me called a spy at parties.”

Herd’s Russian minor does have a lot to do with her interest in Eastern European politics, but I promise she isn’t a spy. As a member of the Ukrainian diaspora, she decided to join the Ukrainian Society at Fordham and is now on the Executive Board. Herd has also written extensively on Ukrainian geopolitical issues for the Fordham Political Review and the Fordham Undergraduate Law Review, both of which she is also an E-Board member.

Herd’s interest in Eastern European politics not only stems from her personal connection to the region, but also from the fact that the war in Ukraine is “one of the most important geo-political issues of our time,” she said. “Even though I don’t have immediate family there, it’s still something I think about every morning when I wake up. It’s not something that just goes away when you close your news tab.”

Herd has always been interested in a career in law and explained how the war in Ukraine cemented her desire to become an international human rights attorney. “I’ve always wanted to do something that helps people. When the invasion began, it was clear there was going to be a lot of need for humanitarian efforts.” Following the start of the invasion, Herd picked up her Russian minor to improve her Russian language skills, “which are far less developed

than my Ukrainian ones,” she said. “Because of the language distribution in Ukraine, it’s important for my career path that I can speak both.”

Although Herd won’t graduate law school for a few years, she says that “this issue isn’t going away. There are so many people that need to be held accountable for their actions, especially in the international circuit.”

More specifically, Herd wants to be an advocate for victims of the invasion, something she is already working towards as an undergraduate. She spent the past summer researching different historical accounts of the pre-Christian period in Kievan Rus’ and studying for the LSAT. She is continuing to hone her legal skills this semester as an intern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, where she works with the Public Correction Unit. She is also engaged with an initiative in U.S. embassies to help Ukrainian students apply to American universities and “demystify” college life in the States for international students.

Herd’s impressive academic endeavors keep her busy, but she’s also still a regular college student. She listens to bands like Interpol and the Smashing Pumpkins. She loves visiting the East Village to thrift and snack on comfort foods at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant. Some of her favorite movies are “The

Piano Teacher” and “The Color of Pomegranates.” I asked if I could plug her Letterboxd in the article. She said no.

“Okay, okay,” I said, laughing off her last quip, “tell me about your weekend plans.”

“Well it’s my birthday weekend, so Friday I’m going to go down to the East Village with some friends. I won’t say where exactly because I don’t need that published,” Herd trailed off with a laugh. The festivities continued on Saturday as Herd celebrated with a “sort of pre-Halloween-themed party” where guests were encouraged to dress “a little witchy.” As a big proponent of dark colors and

autumnal motifs, the spooky theme aligned perfectly with Herd’s style.

It’s clear that there is dedicated thought and emotion behind Herd’s style, and that dedication extends to nearly everything in her life. Her interest in international politics and human rights law truly speaks to Herd’s desire to help others in her daily life and beyond. Her career goals are impressive, but ultimately more than feasible for a person like Herd. Between her obvious intelligence, perseverance and quick wit, I know that she will do great things, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she has in store.

U.S. Open Players Serve on the Court and Carpet

By DIEGO MARTINEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With the U.S. Open in the last few weeks of the summer comes plenty of excitement and commotion that takes place within the hardcourt. However, there is just as much happening off the court as the athletes revel in the opportunity to

showcase mesmerizing fashion statements. From Adidas’ new collection celebrating the powerful past, to Venus Williams opening a door to a fashionfueled tennis world with her pre-match look, consisting of a Maison Alaia dress and Willy Chavarria suit jacket.

Tennis has seen an evolution like no other, and it has become

increasingly more common to see players express their voices. Adidas launched their new FW23 collection as a homage to that history by celebrating the 50th anniversary of arguably the most groundbreaking event in, not just tennis, but sports history: Billie Jean King’s victory over Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes. The collection is headlined by the SST Jacket, designed to match the era being celebrated. Athletic styles can be used to tell a story, highlight a moment in the eternally complex world of sports or just be a flat-out good looking collection. I believe the SST Jacket has perfectly displayed a strong commitment by Adidas to change the future for young female athletes in New York.

Another piece to note is the revamped Avacourt shoe, which is now tailored to look similar to the style Billie Jean King rocked 50 years ago. Adidas athlete Jessica Pegula displays her admiration for what this collection stands for as she commented in a recent Adidas article: “Tennis history shows that greatness is never defined by gender. It hasn’t always been easy to choose this path – players like Billie Jean King had to fight for the right to be on the same court as men and

gain respect from fellow players. I’m proud to be an advocate for gender equality in sport – both on and off the court.”

Adidas’ new celebration of the past has certainly helped to highlight the previous evolution in sport, but you would have to turn to Venus Williams for insight into how the game of tennis can evolve in the future. Although common in leagues such as the NBA or NFL, it is rare for athletes to use pre-game walk ups to show off their style, but Williams has certainly broken the mold in tennis tunnel looks. Her stylist, Solange Franklin, is already well known for her unique fashion sense, and there are no exceptions with Williams’ outfit. Williams was styled with a stunning black blazer by Willy Chavarria, featuring a large flower on the left shoulder. The blazer is complimented by a white Alaia mini skirt. I believe the color contrast between black and white (along with her bright red Wilson tennis bag) is executed perfectly, as it succeeds in expressing Williams’ love for fashion in a normally mundane environment when it comes to style. I have always gravitated towards sleek and powerful pieces, and Williams’ blazer certainly fell under that category. Although

I do not particularly feel like the red Wilson bag fits into the overall outfit, I do appreciate Franklin’s unique splash of color being utilized in something as seemingly trivial as a tennis bag. Williams has always been a heavy admirer of the fashion industry, as she shared the interest with her sister Serena. Wiliams continues advocating for a stronger relationship between the tennis and fashion industries as her clothing line, Eleven by Venus, aims to create stylish athletic wear for any female tennis player.

From Adidas’ celebration of icons who paved the way for tennis’ present to Venus Williams and her style paving the way for tennis’s future, fashion can be found everywhere in the 2023 U.S. Open. The Open has had its fair share of controversy throughout the games, but one thing that has remained is the undeniable evolution that the game is undergoing. Tennis is becoming more accepting of expression, inclusivity and fashion as the guiding force for the athletes to amplify their voice outside of the hardcourt.

Williams’ outfit might have been what made the news now, but I wouldn’t be so surprised if going forward, tennis players showing off their personal style becomes the norm.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Herd’s passion for helping people has led her to the international court.

Hollywood Halts for Simultaneous Strikes

By NORA LEACH EXEC. COPY EDITOR

This summer signaled a time of imperative change for the entertainment industry. Four months ago, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), with the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) following suit in July. It is the first time both unions have been on strike at the same time since 1960. In addition to the fight for improved and fair working conditions, this historic event will have effects on the film and television industries, including awards seasons and release dates.

Before discussing the effects the strike will have on entertainment, it is important to focus on why both the WGA and SAGAFTRA unions are on strike. The WGA’s list of demands from the AMPTP include proper compensation and residuals “for features whether released theatrically or on streaming.” According to the union, the AMPTP’s offers did not improve the amount of residuals writers could earn from streaming features, putting writers at risk of not earning enough money to support themselves. Additionally, the WGA is asking studios to “regulate use of material produced using artificial intelligence [AI]” and guarantee that studios will employ a minimum amount of writers throughout productions. The AMPTP rejected both of these requests, among others.

SAG-AFTRA has similar demands for its 160,000 members, which not only includes big-name Hollywood actors, but also dancers, puppeteers, stunt performers and more. Similar to the WGA, SAG-AFTRA demands proper compensation for their work, especially since many actors are feeling the effects of inflation. They requested an 11% wage increase; instead, the AMPTP offered a 5% increase. SAG-AFTRA also wants a guarantee that there will be “informed consent and fair compensation when a ‘digital replica’ is made or [their] performance is changed using AI.” According to SAG-AFTRA, the executives refused to address this concern, along with other guarantees of safety and fair working conditions.

Since the AMPTP has refused to accept the demands of the writers and actors who work for them, there is no end date for either strike in sight. Days before SAG-AFTRA went on strike, one studio executive told Deadline that they believe the WGA strike will last until October, and they will “allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses.” Recently, SAGAFTRA’s national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said that the AMPTP did not give “any indication they are willing to come back to the table and talk with us.”

While it is difficult to know the strikes’ long-term effects, Hollywood is slowly coming to a standstill. Before the SAGAFTRA strike, the WGA strike

caused many productions to shut down. Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” emphasized the importance of writers after production on season five was delayed: “Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out. #wgastrong”

festivals where many Oscar contenders usually premiere have gone ahead even with the lack of actors in attendance, including those in Toronto and Venice. This opens up the possibility of more international films gaining attention come Oscar season.

must “agree to abide by the terms of the latest offer submitted by SAG-AFTRA during contract negotiations.” Dozens have been approved from companies that are not members of the AMPTP, including two productions from A24. Even though the amount of productions greenlit is miniscule compared to those put on hold, there could still be a slate full of new releases next year from smaller, more independent companies.

Writers are needed during productions because scripts can be rewritten before and during filming. While, theoretically, studios could have continued productions during the WGA strike, they would have risked releasing shows and movies of a lesser, more inferior quality.

Once the SAG-AFTRA strike began, though, no productions from major studios and streaming services in the United States, including ceremonies, could continue, and release and air dates would be delayed into 2024 or later. In the television world, this year’s Emmys ceremony moved its air date from Sept. 18 to Jan. 15 of next year. For films, expect some changes in next year’s Academy Awards. While next year’s ceremony is still set to air on March 10, it would be no surprise if that date was pushed, especially if the strikes continue into 2024.

Even with the delays and shutdowns, certain productions have been given the greenlight to continue. Some international productions can continue if they are working under another country’s union. HBO’s “House of the Dragon” season two, for instance, is allowed to continue production because the actors, including SAG-AFTRA members, are working under a British union, Equity, which prevents solidarity strikes with other countries. Ryan Condal, the showrunner, is a member of the WGA and cannot rewrite any previouslycompleted scripts on set.

Additionally, smaller studios who are not a part of the AMPTP can receive approval from SAGAFTRA to continue or start production during the strike. According to Variety, these productions

By EMMA KIM NEWS EDITOR

On Friday, Sept. 8, Olivia Rodrigo released her sophomore album “GUTS.” It follows her chart-breaking debut album “SOUR,” which resulted in seven Grammy nominations and three wins.

Her follow-up album is a wiser and more insightful version of her previous works, and since Rodrigo is similar in age to college students, I found it personally relatable. From listening to “drivers license” only a year after getting my license and “brutal” about the disillusionment of being a teenager,

Additionally, studios have pushed back the release dates of predicted Oscar-worthy contenders, including Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two,” whose previous installment swept the technical categories. However, film

While the endgame of the strikes remains uncertain, they have already changed several aspects of the 2023-24 film and television seasons. Studios and streaming companies may have a bulk of projects they can release in the next few months, but those will eventually run out, especially since many of their releases originally planned for next year have halted production. Until an agreement is reached, audiences can keep up with film and television releases from other countries or look forward to movies that will still be released in the coming months. Editor’s

Rodrigo Spills Her “GUTS” In Sophomore Album

her original album was full of relatable songs about adolescence, but “GUTS” moves on from adolescence to the beginning of adulthood.

Rodrigo started her career in the spotlight as an actress. She became known for her role on Disney Channel’s “Bizaardvark” in 2016 and then “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” in 2019. During her run on the latter, she gained rapid success when she released her single “drivers license” in January 2021, which became the topstreamed song of 2021 with over a billion streams.

She followed up her success with two more singles — “deja vu” and “good 4 u” — and released her debut album in May 2021. Now, over two years since her last album, she has released “GUTS.”

She released the first single off the 12-song album, “vampire,” on June 30, and it currently has over 300 million streams on Spotify. The piano drives the beginning of the song, but it quickly erupts into drums and strings.

“bad idea right?” — her second single released off the album on Aug. 11 — quickly shifts the tones of the album

from melancholic to pop rock. Similarly, “ballad of a homeschooled girl,” “get him back!” and “love is embarrassing” follow the same theme. The songs are interspersed throughout the album, so if the album is listened to in order, the genre jumps back and forth throughout listening while still having a similar tone.

“all-american b*tch” — the opener for the album — is probably the most unique song off the entire album. It starts with light guitar strings and opens with “I am light as a feather, I’m as stiff as a board.” The first minute of the song continues in a similar lilting style, but the chorus quickly dissolves into a rock song with lines like “Forgive and I forget / I know my age, and I act like it” before switching back to the opening style for the next verse.

The juxtaposition of the instruments and their dynamics highlight how society expects women and girls to act versus what is actually true. Lyrics such as “I don’t get angry when I’m pissed / I’m the eternal optimist” show the struggle of having to be seen as calm and collected when things are

actually wrong while also always coming across as happy. The song ends with the almost exasperated lyric “I’m pretty when I cry.”

In similar fashion to her last album, Rodrigo doesn’t leave out the sad and introspective songs. “lacy,” “making the bed,” “logical,” “the grudge” and “pretty isn’t pretty” all have pensive themes. In “the grudge,” lyrics like “And I know, in my heart, hurt people hurt people / And we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal” show a more twosided perspective of love while still acknowledging the pain, which was not always present in Rodrigo’s first album.

Rodrigo finishes her album by closing the chapter of her teenage years with “teenage dream.” The majority of the song is questions that she asks throughout, emphasizing that she still does not have everything figured out. One of the most poignant questions is “Will I spend all the rest of my years wishing I could go back?”

Overall, Rodrigo spilled her guts when making the album, which resulted in a thoughtful musical work that highlights the harsh realities of love and growing up in the 21st century.

Rodrigo explores adolescence while on the threshold of adulthood.

Hollywood’s simultaneous strikes challenge the executives in power.

Celebrating 50 Years: Hip-Hop in the Bronx

By ALLISON SCHNEIDER ASST. OPINION EDITOR

For decades, the Bronx has served as the landscape for some serious musical innovation. A true melting pot of various artistic cultures, the Bronx has given birth to salsa music, modern-day bachata and the most popular of all: hip-hop. Since its inception in the early 1970s, hip-hop has become a global phenomenon. The original “old school” style has splintered off into many different sub-genres including trap, jazz rap, boom-bap, drill and

even fusions like country trap. (Do you remember the “Old Town Road” remixes? Because I sure do.)

According to a 2022 survey, college-aged students (18-24 years old) listen to hip-hop and rap music more than any other genre. In the past decade, Drake, whose music is often categorized as a mix between R&B, hip-hop and pop, has won three Billboard Music Awards for Top Artist of the Year and the incredibly prestigious Artist of the Decade Award. Pop culture magazines and tabloid headlines are filled with content about

popular rappers and their upcoming projects. In 2021 and 2022, Billboard reported that rap and hip-hop albums made up almost 20% of all vinyl album sales, with the genre coming second only to rock albums.

In recent years, the genre has garnered a lot of attention among young listeners, partially because most of the genre’s artists are on the younger side. The average age of a Top 100 rapper is only 26 years old, a significantly lower number compared to the 44-year average age of musicians across all genres. Hip-hop also has a young sound — it’s innovative, with some artists constantly experimenting with their sound and pushing out new music.

But in the Bronx, we know that innovation in the genre isn’t anything new. This summer, the borough has hosted hundreds of events celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. Unlike most musical genres, the birth of hip-hop can in large part be pinpointed to an exact date and location: Aug. 11, 1973 at 1520 Sedgwick Ave, just a bus ride away from Rose Hill. That day in August, a group of teenagers threw a historic back-to-school party in the apartment building’s community room, attracting a horde of local kids, including Clive Campbell, more commonly known as DJ Kool Herc. To “keep costs low” for hosting the party, Kool Herc’s sister asked him to DJ at the party. It was at this party that Kool Herc debuted a new method of DJing that incorporated two turntables instead of one. He would use both to switch between beats quickly and would even play tracks simultaneously, creating a type of musical mixing

that was previously unheard of. This technique allowed him to extend the length of a song’s break line, which made for more “danceable” music, something that party-goers went crazy for.

An immigrant from Jamaica, Kool Herc was influenced by the funk and reggae music in his home as well as the soul, rock and dancehall music he encountered in the Bronx. In the ’70s, the Bronx was home to large populations of Puerto Rican and Caribbean immigrants. The musical and cultural traditions of these groups were vital to hip-hop’s creation. It was the co-mingling of Latin, African and Caribbean music that truly defined hip-hop’s original sound. These influences are still prevalent today as many of hip-hop’s most influential artists come from multicultural backgrounds with an emphasis on African and Latin influences. The Bronx of the 1970s is often associated with the South Bronx fires and the rising poverty rates, but it was also the birthplace of one of the most groundbreaking musical developments in history, which of course wouldn’t have been possible without the creativity and collaboration of the immigrant populations that called the Bronx home.

On that note, DJ Kool Herc is by no means the only hip-hop legend from the Bronx. There is a long list of hip-hop innovators from the neighborhood, including iconic names like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Grand Wizzard Theodore (who invented the now-famous technique of scratching), Afrika Bambaataa and many more. These artists were true pioneers, and some of them still create music to this day.

DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore recently visited Fordham’s Rose Hill campus to DJ in front of Keating Hall for Urban Plunge participants. Although these artists are most famous for their work in the ’70s and ’80s, the Bronx has never truly stopped churning out hip-hop stars. In the ’90s, we had artists like Big Pun and KRS-One. In recent years, artists such as Ice Spice and Cardi B have made huge names for themselves and brought more attention to the lack of female representation in the genre. With hip-hop’s transition into mainstream media, the genre has seen a lot of changes, musically and otherwise. But something that has never changed, and something I hope never will, is hip-hop’s relationship to social justice. Think about albums like Public Enemy’s “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” (1988), 2Pac’s “2Pacalypse Now” (1991) or Nas’ “Hip Hop Is Dead” (2006). These albums address a variety of social justice issues, usually related to race, wealth disparity and the legal system. The artists knew these messages were important, and they helped to make their audiences feel seen in a way that other art forms hadn’t. Inspired by the conscious rappers before them, modern artists like Kendrick Lamar have been carrying on this legacy with albums like “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015). From the disregarded and underserved youth that invented hip-hop to the modern artists who continue to challenge the status-quo both within and outside their music, hip-hop has always served as an outlet for musicians, a place to share their ideas, their grievances and their dreams for a better world.

“Single Soon” is an Empowering Feminist Anthem

By JULIA LEEDOM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Selena Gomez, you little angel. “Single Soon” is exactly what we needed as we bid summer farewell. Fall and winter’s dreadful cuffing season is right around the corner, but with her music, Gomez is sending a message that relationships are not needed in order to thrive or be happy. “Single Soon” is a feminist phenomenon, encouraging the idea that instead of fearing the single life, women should put themselves first.

Hearing this message from a public figure, such as Gomez — who has constantly been in battles with the media and scrutinized for her every move — makes it extremely powerful. Ever since her last album, “Rare,” which dropped in 2020, the world has seen different sides of Gomez. She told Apple Music that she “just needed to let her old self go,” and from then on we have been blessed with all new things Gomez.

This includes more sides to her popular beauty business,

Rare Beauty, show-stopping fashion looks and now her most recent song, “Single Soon.”

I knew when I first clicked play on the new EP’s captivating cover (go off Gomez)

I was immediately overtaken by pride for not only her but for all women in general. Her posture displays a captivating sense of self-confidence and her face says it all: Don’t mess with me, I’m going to be single soon. It was riveting to hear her sing about being single using only positive connotations.

With the catchy lines “Imma date who I want to / Stay out late if I want to / Imma do what I wanna do,” Gomez reminded us that being single can be a great form of freedom. The song’s fun and flirty music video further emphasizes its message and showcases how being single can bring on some of the most fun times of life.

Gomez went against the well-known stereotype that if women don’t have a partner there is something wrong with them.

The concept of single women feeling hopeless, unappealing or

unsure of themselves has roamed the streets like an unspoken truth that everyone should be aware about for decades. Gomez is defying these norms as well as actively changing the narrative for herself and all other women. An

important thing to mention about “Single Soon” is that it doesn’t just have to be recognized as a feminine phenomenon. The song’s message does not just have to apply to women. Anyone who has ever felt like they are

not enough because they are single can relate to “Single Soon” and let it empower them. If you are single, embrace and enjoy it! Surround yourself with good people and live your life. Gomez would want you to.

Gomez’s latest single, “Single Soon,” defies gender norms and sends an empowering message to her listeners.

Modern artists from the Bronx carry on traditions from the hip-hop genre.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Mobile to Margaritaville: The Life of Jimmy Buffet

By ISABELLA DeROSA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Good musicians make good music. Great musicians make good memories. If you ask any country music lover what they think of when they think of Jimmy Buffett, they will most likely respond with “summertime.” Some people may say they think of relaxing on the beach or hanging out with friends on a summer night. Someone might even mention eating at the Margaritaville restaurants, or share a memory of staying at a Margaritaville resort. Either way, Buffett became an incredibly successful musician, and his journey is one to remember and celebrate.

Born on Christmas of 1946, Buffett was raised in the port town Mobile, Ala. He grew up around sailing, as his father was a marine engineer, and his parents kept him in school to set him up for a college career. Music did not truly capture his interest until he reached college. A fraternity brother showed him how playing his guitar received attention from girls. Buffett then tried to learn by himself and quickly fell in love with music.

After college, Buffett moved to New Orleans to do street performances. Then, he made his way to Nashville, Tenn., to further his career, where he released his first album, “Down to Earth,”

By NICOLE DiPIETRO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

in 1970. However, working his daytime job as a journalist for Billboard, Buffett still had a long way to go before reaching the fame he was destined for. Eventually, Buffett ventured to Key West, Fla., and began performing and working on new music. He gradually began to gain popularity with new albums and songs like “Come Monday” which was his first song to reach the charts. In 1977, Buffett finally got the

attention he was seeking with his breakthrough album “Changes in Latitude.” On the album was the hit song, “Margaritaville,” which had staggering success. Buffett claimed that he wrote most of the song in just six minutes, and it is his most popular song of all time. Buffett went on to become a well-known country star. He went on tours and built his brand which signified the “beach vacation” lifestyle. He built restaurants

and resorts with his company Margaritaville Holdings, physically making the atmosphere he wanted his music to create. For Buffett, the music was not just music, but culture. He wanted listeners to feel as happy as he felt when singing his songs. He built a paradise that reflected the vision he had for his music. More so, Buffett’s tropical music style had spread into the country music industry like wildfire. Most of

American country music today is inspired by the smooth rhythm and summertime vibes that Buffett had put in his work. Perhaps the most impressive of Buffett’s accomplishments is the monopoly he built out of his music. Buffett had managed to take his songs and turn them into something more. He was one of the first artists to create a specific and well-known aesthetic out of his music style. His music makes us imagine vibrant beach chairs, Hawaiian button-ups or relaxing with a drink on a hot summer day. Buffett was able to market this aesthetic and build the very world his song “Margaritaville” had described. The vacation and beach lifestyle has become a significant factor in American culture. It also added a new tropical aspect to country music that inspired many future artists. In this way, Buffett created a large part of not just our musical culture, but entertainment and lifestyle.

OF TWITTER

For well-known country star Jimmy Buffett, music was not just sound but an entire culture and lifestyle.

On Sept. 1, 2023, Buffett passed away peacefully at the age of 76. After a long and successful career, his music has left a permanent impact on the world. The positivity and happiness Buffett is extremely adamant in the way fans have celebrated in his memory. Buffett played all weekend long and brought out stories of happy summertime memories for everyone. There is no doubt that his music will continue to make people smile and play during every summer day.

New Seasonal Sips at Starbucks

One thing about me: I adore Starbucks. I have since I was a little girl, when I’d frequently pick up a Very Berry Hibiscus refresher (may it rest in peace) during trips to the mall with my mom. The release of the Starbucks fall menu in late August, sometimes early September, is honestly one of my favorite parts of the year. This year’s menu consists of the classic and beloved pumpkin-flavored drinks and pastries, with the addition of fan-favorite secret menu drinks and a latte from years past.

Starting off with the drink that took the world by storm in 2003, and my personal favorite off of the menu, is the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL, for short). In a similar light, we have the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which is exactly what it sounds like: a crisp vanilla-sweetened cold brew with a thick layer of pumpkin cold foam over top of it. Then, there is a secret menu item that went viral over the last season, leading to its addition to the menu this year: the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. It was such a popular customization by customers and baristas everywhere that Starbucks added it onto their menu for the first time, making everyone’s lives easier. Lastly, as a new twist on

an old favorite, is the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso that was inspired by 2021’s Apple Crisp Macchiato. As for the food, this year’s menu includes the classics: the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Owl Cake Pop. In a delicious new inclusion, Starbucks introduced their Baked Apple Croissant, which is ultimately your own tiny apple pie.

Throughout the week, I visited the campus Starbucks in an endeavor to try all the fall items that I haven’t tried, which was most of them. The first on my list was the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Personally, I like my coffee sweet, and I prefer a latte as opposed to a cold brew or regular iced coffee. However, the drink was not bad by any means. The pumpkin cold foam is a creamy bliss that Starbucks can’t do wrong, and adding it to a cold brew is the perfect way for people who prefer their coffee black to allow some fun and enjoyment into their lives. Next down the line was the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso accompanied by its pastry sidekick, the Baked Apple Croissant. These items surprised me. The drink was pleasantly more apple-y than I’d thought it would be. It reminded me of a creamy dessert in a cup. It was sweet, yet it combined so nicely with the bitterness of the espresso. The croissant definitely

took number one on the food ranking. The apple and cinnamon filling seriously melts in your mouth, while the pastry dough comes apart like a cloud. It was amazing, and for me, it outsold all the other sweets sold along with it. Finally, the last item on my journey was the fan favorite Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. I was skeptical going into this one, mostly because I don’t normally go for a Chai. I was hoping that the cold foam would again save the day as it did for the cold brew drink. However, I was unfortunately disappointed. I can definitely see the mass appeal for the drink, it’s sweet, flavorful and creamy. After trying it, I will say it’s the perfect flavor for fall, although the strong flavors of both the foam and chai combined to create an odd

flavor in my mouth. It sort of felt like I took a sip out of a melted Bath & Body Works candle.

Among the menu items, I didn’t need to break my bank trying my personal seasonal favorite, the PSL. My favorite Starbucks item will always be the Pumpkin Spice Latte with oat milk. It has such a dominant pumpkin flavor without being overly sweet or overpowering the espresso. The added pumpkin spice atop the rich drink also adds a nice touch to the experience. The pastries, on the other hand, fell a little short. The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin isn’t bad, just not for me. A lot of my friends and family adore this muffin, but coming from someone who isn’t the biggest fan of cream cheese, I just don’t see this item being a part of my

regular Starbucks rotation this fall. The last food item on the fall menu is the Owl Cake Pop. Being a fan of the other cake pops from the chain, it’s nothing insanely special, just another vanilla flavored cake pop with a cute icing-painted owl face on it. Nonetheless, it’s still a nice sweet treat.

If you think there isn’t something for you on the seasonal menu at Starbucks, you’re (hopefully) wrong. The spread has a lot of variety for those looking for different things in their daily overpriced coffees and pastries.

If you’re thinking about trying anything from the menu, don’t hesitate. There’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with it, as I once did, and face a heartbreaking withdrawal at the end of the season in December.

COURTESY

Women’s Soccer Drops Two Before A-10 Play

By NOAH HOFFMAN STAFF WRITER

After last week’s matches ended in a tie against Stony Brook University and a tough loss versus Fairfield University, the Rams headed into their fourth week of play sitting at 2-2-1 on the season.

The first matchup of the week came against Columbia University. Fordham honored those who have served on the front lines with their First Responders Match, the team’s last home game before the anniversary of 9/11.

The Rams and Lions battled it out on Jack Coffey Field on another hot day in the Bronx, which ended in Fordham falling 2-0. The game started promisingly for Fordham, with the Rams earning a corner kick in the first two minutes. Freshman Lena Johnsen sent the corner into the box, leading to an opportunity for graduate student Emily Crocco, which the Columbia goalie Page Nurkin saved. That would be the only shot Fordham could muster in the first half, as it was a defensive battle from their side the rest of the way. Columbia dominated possession throughout the half, getting off six shots, but none found the back of the net.

After pressuring for most of the first half, Columbia capitalized on an opportunity in the 48th minute, breaking the 0-0 tie and going up 1-0. Seven minutes later, a foul on Fordham led to

a free kick for Columbia, but senior goalie Serena Mensah made a beautiful leaping save. The save was one of seven on the day for Mensah, who had an excellent match filling in for sophomore Kyla King after King was suspended for the game for receiving a red card in the previous match. Columbia tacked on an insurance goal in the 79th minute, taking the game 2-0.

Trying to get back to .500, the Rams traveled to the state capital to wrap up non-conference play against the University of Albany on Sunday. The Rams had their fair share of opportunities in the first half, with six shots, but only two were on target. The defense held strong, only allowing four shots, with none on goal.

The contest’s lone goal came at the 57th-minute mark after a Fordham foul led to an Albany free kick, which was put into the box, allowing a header that found the back of the net. The Rams could not tie the game as Albany took the match 1-0.

The two losses on the week put Fordham at 2-4-1 in nonconference play. The Rams start a string of 11 Atlantic 10 matches to finish off the season this week, with the first one set for Thursday night at home against George Mason University. Those 11 games will determine whether or not Fordham will find themselves in the conference tournament at the end of the season.

Athletes of the Week

Mrva became the first Fordham Ram to win an individual tournament title since 2017, when he finished first at the Hartford Hawks Invitational on Tuesday. The junior finished at -5, four shots clear of the rest of the field. He was just two shots off the Fordham 36-hole record, set by James Mongey in 2017.

to the Floor Watching the U.S. Open

By MADDIE BIMONTE SPORTS EDITOR

Like many people across the world, including myself, eyes were on the exciting U.S. Open tennis tournament this year. I found myself glued to my chair for many days, watching the highly anticipated matchups of 19-year-old Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic chasing his 24th Grand Slam title. But as it turns out, it wasn’t just me glued to my seat, but many other people at the stadium — perhaps more literally.

Amidst the U.S. Open’s matches last Thursday, climate change protesters took to the stands to advertise their message of “ending fossil fuel emissions.” During the semi-final match between Coco Gauff and Karolína Muchová, a 50-minute delay occurred as environmental activists caused a disruption, with one activist gluing his feet to the ground in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Protesting in sports has been more regular as of the last few decades than ever before, with many national and global events being subject to protestors, the majority of which come from a climate change organization or individuals driven by their own climate change perspectives. Yet it is tennis that is receiving the brunt of the protests as of late due to its affiliation of being a “wealthy-people’s sport.”

Protestors claimed that the sport of tennis has had a negative impact on the environment, as protests have ramped up at tennis courts over the past year. In August in Washington, D.C., about a dozen people participated in throwing tennis balls, chanting and holding signs protesting against fossil fuel emissions. Earlier in July at Wimbledon, two matches were interrupted by environmental activists who jumped out of the stands, scattering orange confetti on the court. Back in June, a climate activist jumped onto the court and tried to glue herself to the net at the French Open.

The protestors this time around

cited their reasoning for these efforts as “desperation.” Yet, it is interesting to wonder if these actions are truly helping or harming their case. Outside of the sports realm, many climate activists have thrown soup and paint at priceless art pieces across the globe, glued themselves to roads and chained themselves to trees. While their acts have certainly garnered the media they are looking to draw important attention to, the public reaction has been less than favorable.

At the U.S. Open, crowds booed for periods of time at the climate change protestors, eager to resume the match between Gauff and Muchová.

In terms of criminal charges, 35-year-old Gregory Schwedock was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, while 50-yearold Sayak Mukhopadhyay was charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. For police and museums across the globe dealing with the influx of climate change protests, sentencing has become stricter.

While Gauff didn’t seem to take offense to the protests, she acknowledged that while the protests happened during an unfortunate time in the match, as she was up on Muchová, she “couldn’t really get upset at [the protestors]” for their message. As a fan, it’s a really interesting conundrum to try and decide whether or not you’re in favor or opposed to these kinds of protests. On one hand, they disrupt the game, ruin the momentum and ultimately seem to upset people

in the moment, even more than if they went another route to spread their message. It almost seems counterintuitive for the protestors to attempt such a thing at these events because of the target audience of these events. The extremely wealthy that flock to these events seem like they, on paper, would be the perfect person to discuss the issue with and call for support. However, the wealthy people in this case have shown to have little empathy for these protests, staying silent and ignoring them as a whole.

On the other hand, you could say that the protestors did little wrong. The message of climate change and the horrid heat at the U.S. Open causing a fan to faint and court temperatures to be 45 degrees higher than normal is a serious crisis that has to be addressed. If the athletes are okay with the message at the end of the day, we should be too. I think it’s okay to be conflicted at the end of the day. I myself wasn’t too happy to have my television feed cut out for 50 minutes, patiently waiting to see if Gauff would make it to the finals.

I think I would’ve been even more upset if I was there in person, spending tons of money and time to be there. But, at the same time, I can recognize the importance of the message, even if the methods the protestors chose to go about preaching were the wrong ones. But hey, at the end of the day, the match between Gauff and Muchová was pretty amazing. Even if we had to wait a little longer to see it all through.

Varsity Calendar

Moody moved past 1000 career kills after recording 11 against Long Island University on Friday. She also totalled 20 digs, good enough for a double-double. Moody is coming off being named Second Team AllAtlantic 10 for the second season in a row and has cemented herself as a key member of Fordham Volleyball.

Women’s Soccer

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

Jake Mrva Junior, Golf

Whitley Moody Senior, Volleyball

Tennis is the new hot spot for climate protests as of this summer.

Fordham Volleyball’s Success Continues at Iona

By BRETT TULIP STAFF WRITER

Fordham participated in the 2023 Iona Volleyball Tournament in New Rochelle this past week.

They played in three matches against Iona University, Long Island University and the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) Boston College.

The Rams were able to find success early in their first match against the tournament’s titular squad in the Iona University Gaels. They were able to again be a strong defensive team, led by sophomore Zoe Talabong and freshman Whitney Woodrow having double-doubles. However, it was senior Whitley Moody who was able to solidify the victory in the first set with her two kills to close out the first set by a score of 25-19. In the next two sets, both teams would trade points, each going on their own runs respectively. In the end, it was Fordham that came out on top on both occasions, clearing the last two sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-15.

Next, the Rams took on the Long Island University Sharks. Fordham again started off with a

first set 25-14 victory but struggled in the second as they fell in the close 25-21 next set. Their strong defense let up a bit, allowing for a large LIU run. However, they responded effectively in the third, dominating 25-13 before winning in a nail-biting 25-23 4th set. In this match, Moody racked up her 1,000th kill, an incredible milestone for one of the program’s best.

Coming into the next match against Boston College, the Rams entered on a seven-game winning streak, something wildly impressive for a Fordham team that has struggled in years past putting together consistent wins. Unfortunately, the team was unable to get the job done but played a

Varsity Scores & Stats

close-fought match against BC, despite the 3-0 loss. The first two sets began with 25-19 losses, with the third ending 25-22. Despite their best efforts, the Rams fell just short each time.

The team will look to move forward from the loss, as they enter into the Rose Hill Classic this weekend before moving into conference play.

In the Rose Hill Classic, Fordham will go up against Ivy Leaguers Dartmouth College on Friday before playing Fairleigh Dickinson University on Sunday.

It will surely be an entertaining matchup and exciting to see if the Rams can keep up their strong play.

Bittersweet Victory for the New York Jets Leaves More Questions Than Answers

By JULIA MOSS STAFF WRITER

It was a bittersweet beginning to the New York Jets 2023 campaign. The Jets wound up victorious in an overtime thriller, which has definitely left the team with short-term pride, but injuries to key players make the long term anything but certain.

In the very first drive of the Jets’ season, Aaron Rodgers was sacked by the Buffalo Bills’ Leonard Floyd. Rodgers stayed down, got up and limped around for a moment, but went back to the ground to be attended to by medical staff. He ended up being carted to the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Rodgers only played four snaps.

With that came the return of Zach Wilson. Wilson had a disastrous 2022 season that featured him throwing more interceptions than touchdowns (six touchdowns, seven interceptions). However, he was thrusted back into the starting role and became the only hope for this Jets offense against a Super Bowl contending Bills squad. Nonetheless, in the first half, the score was actually kept very close with the Jets trailing the Bills by just 10 heading into the break.

In the first half, Breece Hall showed he is entirely recovered from his 2022 ACL tear with two carries and a mesmerizing 109 yards that was aided by an 80-yard dash just short of the goal line. Wilson didn’t exactly astound anybody with his play but had a decent

five for eight, 41-yard first-half performance with an interception added. Again, not great, but Wilson has shown he is capable of much worse.

While the Jets weren’t lighting it up on the offensive end, what helped them out big time was the fact the Bills weren’t either. The main difference between the teams in the first half was the ability to find the end zone. Both had red zone opportunities but Buffalo was able to cash in with an off-balance on the run pass from Josh Allen to Stefon Diggs. Allen finished the first half with 17/21, 133 yards, with a touchdown and interception. The score heading into the break stood at 13-3 in Buffalo’s favor.

The second half is when the wheels began to fall off for Buffalo. The Jets defense was genuinely stellar, forcing Allen in to four turnovers and just 236 passing yards. New York’s offense initially had issues

capitalizing on turnovers but eventually took the lead from an added possession because of a fumble made by Allen. The Jets held onto a lead until just two seconds before the end of the fourth quarter, but Buffalo found an equalizer of their own as time ran off the clock. Tyler Bass kicked a long field goal that ricocheted just off the post into the goal to send this game into overtime.

Buffalo won the toss and naturally chose to receive. With a chance to drive the ball down and win the game, Allen and the Buffalo Bills instead went three-and-out, further proving this Jets defense is the real deal.

On the punt, undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson returned the kick 65 yards into the end zone for a touchdown to pull off what ended up being an incredible upset. With the punt return touchdown, the final score was 23-16.

Men’s

News & Notes

Fordham Announces 2023 Victory Bell Award Recipients

This year, Don Almeida, GSB ’73, Jim Buckman, FCRH ’66, Darlene Luccio Jordan, FCRH ’89, and the late John Toffolon, GSB ’73, ’77, will be receiving the Victory Bell Award for their achievements to the Fordham Athletics community in a manner not related to coaching or participation in sports: for their efforts in donating towards the New Era Fund and supporting the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Over a five-year period, a total of $5.2 million has been raised.

Fordham Cheerleading Tryouts Scheduled for Sept. 24

For those interested in joining the Fordham Cheerleading team, tryouts will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Lombardi Field House at the Rose Hill Campus.

The adversity this New York Jets team faced in this matchup is nothing short of staggering. The Jets went all in on Rodgers, both financially and mentally, and lost him before he could even complete a pass. Rodgers tore his achilles, and you can clearly see the calf muscle pop during the sack on video playback. Achilles injuries are largely understood to be some of the most difficult injuries to return from, and with Rodgers being 39 as it is, his future not just with the Jets but as an NFL player is uncertain.

Jets fans have endured a lot

over the past decade. Countless losing seasons, no playoff appearances, questionable offseason choices and so many other misfortunes. But it finally seemed to pay off as they got their guy to make them a winnow franchise. For Rodgers to then immediately get injured four plays into his Jets career, it’s become a sick joke for fans, and this is perhaps the pinnacle of their suffering.

However, Wilson looked alright and beat a Super Bowl contending team. Also, the defense performed like they could be in the conversation with the other elites of the league. At the end of the day, if the phrase “offense wins games, defense wins championships” holds any truth, the Jets might just be alright.

New York will take the next few days to regroup and plan for an offensive led by Wilson, but don’t have much time to dwell on it. They have a shorter week due to playing Monday Night Football and will travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys who just beat the brakes off the New York Giants. That game kicks off Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1:00 p.m.. It should be nothing short of riveting to see how the rest of this season will play out.

–Compiled by Maddie Bimonte

Aaron Rodgers tore his achilles on the opening drive of New York’s 22-16 win over Buffalo on Monday night. COURTESY OF TWITTER

The Rams defeated Iona and LIU this weekend but fell to Boston College.

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F1: Monza Recap, Singapore Previews

By ALLIE COPPOLA STAFF WRITER

The Italian Grand Prix may have been one of the most exciting grands prix of the season, with a lot of action at the front of the pack and a season-best performance from Carlos Sainz. Another weekend brought another win for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, and Ferrari returned to form after a disappointing previous weekend in Zandvoort.

McLaren’s dominance faltered while Alex Albon scored more valuable points for Williams Racing. After a great weekend at the Temple of Speed, the teams look ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix this upcoming weekend.

Unsurprisingly, the Red Bull drivers finished one-two in the race last Sunday with Verstappen starting from P2, and climbing up to P1 by the 14th lap of the race.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez qualified in P5, and quickly fought through the Ferrari cars to reach P2 by lap 32. With the incredible aerodynamic advantage of the Red Bulls this year, the result was essentially inevitable with the high speed nature of Monza. Not only did Verstappen increase his astronomical lead in the World

Driver’s Championship standings, he earned his 10th consecutive race win, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record from 2013. If Verstappen continues his winning ways, he has a chance to clinch the WDC title by the time the Japanese Grand Prix rolls around later this month. Perez, on the other hand, looks to replicate his win at last year’s Singapore GP with this year’s new track layout this coming weekend.

At their home race, Ferrari executed a nearly perfect weekend at Monza. Sainz showed exceptional pace through every practice and qualifying, and was able to hold off Verstappen for 14 laps during the race. He earned his first pole position of the year in a downto-the-wire qualifying round, finishing the session 13 hundredths of a second ahead of Verstappen. Charles Leclerc bounced back from poor practice performance and held provisional pole ahead of Verstappen for a short time, eventually falling to P3 on Saturday.

With the first and third grid slots on Sunday, Ferrari were able to finish P3 and P4, the best possible result behind the two dominant Red Bulls. Sainz earned his first podium of the year, but it wasn’t

Cross Country Impresses at Hometown Fordham Fiasco

By COLIN LOUGHRAN STAFF WRITER

The men and women of cross country endured a sweltering summer morning at Van Cortlandt Park this past Saturday, but emerged with crisp results.

Fordham’s men won the event for the first time since 2015 thanks in large part to the performance of their young talent, and the women of cross country took home second place with similar showings.

Although Manhattan College junior Jared Lautenslager was the leading individual with a time of 27:47.60, the Rams won the three-team men’s circuit with 22 points and had five runners place in the top 10. More impressive was the fact that each of these five runners were running in their first collegiate race.

Freshman Sean Reidy placed second overall with a time of 27:59.80. The Fordham Prep product was directly followed by fellow freshmen John Corrigan, Jack Boerger and Matthew McCabe.

Corrigan’s third-place finish came with a time of 28:05.40, and Boerger and McCabe’s fourth- and fifth-place efforts came with the times of 28:30.30 and 28:45.90, respectively.

Additionally, freshman Tadael Mihret placed eighth with a time of 29:28.20, and Staten Island native freshman Jake Frayler finished 17th in 31:55.20.

Over on the women’s side, Manhattan took the team overall win with 20 points, and also had

without contention from Leclerc. In the final few laps of the race, Leclerc made a series of risky moves at turn one to try and overtake Sainz even after a warning from his team. He was unsuccessful and risked crashing after locking up on the final lap in an attempt to pass. All was well between the two teammates after the race, but it was an unnecessary risk after the near perfect execution of the weekend.

After a difficult first half of the season, Alex Albon continues to put up good results for the seventh-place Williams team. He finished P7 at Monza which is equal to his best result of the season, where he put up a valiant defensive performance in Montreal.

Since the halfway point of the season, Albon has four points finishes and is single-handedly carrying Williams above AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo. His teammate Logan Sargeant finished P13 after crashing out of the previous race. Around the rest of the paddock, Mercedes scored valuable points, Haas had another difficult weekend, AlphaTauri put up mixed results and one of the Alfa Romeos finished in the points.

Both of Mercedes’ drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished P6 and P5 respectively, scoring enough points to fend off Ferrari for second in the constructor standings. Meanwhile, Haas’ troubles continued after both cars found themselves lapped by the top four race leaders. AlphaTauri also experienced some issues after Yuki Tsunoda’s engine failed during the formation lap. Liam Lawson gave fans some hope with a P11 finish, and he continues to show his talent after replacing Daniel Ricciardo (broken wrist) in the AlphaTauri car. Finally, Alfa Romeo showed some promise in their home race

with Valtteri Bottas’ P10 finish, inching them closer to Haas in the constructor standings.

The teams now look ahead to Singapore, which displays a new track layout this year. Turns 16-19 have been replaced with a straight for this season’s Grand Prix, which will give an advantage to teams like Red Bull and Williams whose straight-line speed tops the rest of the grid.

After a double podium last year, Ferrari will attempt to repeat their success at Marina Bay while Perez looks to replicate his win from last year and earn his first since Baku back in April.

Weather Spoils Two Matches For Men’s Soccer

the leading individual. Andria Scaglione placed first in the 5K race with a time of 19:31.30.

Fordham placed second out of the three competing teams and were led by freshman Meredith Gotzman. The Maryland native placed third thanks to a time of 20:09.70. The freshmen Kate Meeks placed ninth in 21:34.80 and Sarah Zahaykevich finished 11th in 22:00.30.

The freshmen Brenna Sears and Megan McCann as well as senior Clodagh McGroary were not far behind. They came in 13th, 14th and 18th respectively.

Both the men and women of Fordham received stellar showings from their young athletes. Their development will be paramount as the season moves towards more grandiose competitions. Cross Country will compete next at the Jasper Fall XC Invite on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Twin Ponds on the Farm in Montgomery, N.Y.

By MADDIE BIMONTE SPORTS EDITOR

In a week full of weather cancellations and abbreviations, Fordham Men’s Soccer dealt with it all this week, following a cancellation of their matchup against University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and a slightly abbreviated game against Loyola Maryland University.

Instead of the Rams playing on Friday in Baltimore, their first game of the week came on Monday afternoon, after the start time of the match was moved to 2 p.m. instead of the originally scheduled 4 p.m. due to thunderstorms in the area.

Fordham struck first in the 13th minute, as senior midfielder Florian Deletioglu headed the ball into the back of the net, giving the Rams a 1-0 advantage. However, promptly after the goal, it was called back due to a foul on the Loyola goalkeeper.

At the end of the first half, the score remained at zero for both sides.

Entering into the second half, the Greyhounds were able to secure the advantage first, with a goal in the 49th minute as the Fordham defense was caught unaware as a ball soared in the back field. Waiting for it there was Caden Stafford, who headed it over graduate student Carter Abbott for the lead.

Ten minutes later, the Rams were able to find an equalizer as junior forward Grady Kozak soared a shot towards the Loyola keeper, only to be shut down. Loyola’s

Dylan van der Walt was not able to hold on to the rebound.

Sophomore forward Nathan Simes was in the right place at the right time to take the ball off his chest and play it off his foot to swipe one past van der Walt for the equalizer and his first goal of the season.

Unfortunately, lightning strikes in the area caused the game to be cut short in the 71st minute, so the Rams were unable to take the lead and settled for a tie instead.

The Rams are now 2-0-3 on the

season, still being undefeated at home. Fordham also has outshot their opponents across their five games played, and against Loyola they continued that trend. Now, it is time for Atlantic 10 conference play for Fordham as they set up for their first A-10 matchup against St. Bonaventure University on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Rams will then have a highly anticipated rivalry game against Manhattan College on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Manhattan College in Riverdale, N.Y.

Ferrari had a stellar weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, taking home the big title. COURTESY OF TWITTER

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS XC had a strong weekend at Fiasco.

Water Polo Takes Down Harvard, Falls to Princeton

By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Some teams just have your number. In regards to Fordham Water Polo, that team just happens to be Princeton University.

The Rams took two of the three games at this year’s Princeton Invitational, but the one loss once again came against Princeton, who has now won 21 of their last 22 meetings with Fordham, dating back to 1998.

Now defeating Princeton is no easy task, even for a Fordham team that ranked 20th in the nation in the updated Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) polls. Entering the matchup, Princeton ranked sixth in the nation, by far the highest of any team on the east coast. And with Fordham pitted against both Princeton and a #18 ranked Harvard University, the invitational poised quite the challenge.

For the most part, they were up for the task. The Rams came out strong on Saturday, defeating an unranked Chapman University 21-12. Fordham took a 9-5 lead at halftime, with four first-half goals from junior Jacopo Parrella. They’d put things out of reach in the second half with a five-goal third and a seven-goal fourth.

Parrella finished the day with a season-high six goals while fellow juniors Luca Silvestri and George Papanikolaou complimented the attack with four goals and three goals respectively.

The invitational would continue on Sunday with a tantalizing double header, as the Rams got set to do battle with a pair of top 20 teams in Harvard and Princeton. Initially ranked

above #18 Harvard in the preseason poll, Fordham had fallen to #20 after a 2-2 opening week that saw the Rams drop both matches against ranked opponents.

Nonetheless, Fordham pulled off the upset, defeating Harvard 14-10. Sophomore Balazs Berenyi helped catapult the Rams to a halftime lead, but the Crimson would keep things close, cutting the lead to 9-8 at the close of the third quarter. A pair of fourth quarter goals from Papanikolaou and another tally from Berenyi gave Fordham a four-goal lead that they would protect for the remainder of the match. Berenyi led the way with five goals while Papanikolaou posted his second straight hat trick.

The invitational concluded with a rematch of last year’s NCAA Championship opening round as the Rams would go for the invitational sweep against

Princeton. The Tigers held the high-powered Fordham offense in check, defeating them 15-9. The Rams mustered just two goals in the first half, with juniors Lucas Nieto Jasny and Gabriel Melillo accounting for the only tallies. When it was all said and done, nine different players accounted for the nine goals.

Fordham exits an arduous opening schedule to a 4-3 start. With four of the seven opponents either ranked or receiving votes in the national poll, the Rams still come away with an above .500 record.

It’s nice to see Fordham have some success against Harvard, who defeated the Rams in 11 straight matchups from 2012 to 2019. The turn of the decade has been fruitful for Fordham, who have won two of their last three games against the Crimson, with

Harvard being ranked in all three.

Princeton, however, still proves to be a massive obstacle, winning their last five matchups against the Rams. Outside of a lone Fordham win in 2019, it’s been a dry spell for over two decades. Even with some close efforts in years past, most notably an OT loss in last year’s

NCAA tournament, the Tigers have time and time again proven to be quite the challenge.

Undoubtedly the gold standard of the east, it’s a harsh reminder of what likely awaits Fordham as they eye the NCAA Championship.

The Rams will pivot their attention to conference play, beginning a stretch of nine straight games against Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) opponents. Most of those will come on the road as Fordham won’t play in front of their home fans until Oct. 4. After being picked to win the MAWPC in the preseason poll, the Rams have fallen to second as the U.S. Naval Academy leapt ahead of them, rising from 20th to 13th in the Week 1 national polls.

Next up on the docket, the Rams travel to Pennsylvania for the Bison Invitational. The Rams will get their first chance to show what they’re made of in conference play, squaring off against Bucknell University and Wagner College, both ranked top five in the conference, and a John Hopkins University squad that received MAWPC votes.

Student Athlete Column: Confidence and Failure

By TIERNAN DEGNAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It’s my last year of collegiate rowing, which is strange to say given I’d never rowed before Fordham. When I walked onto the team my freshman year, I thought an erg (the rowing machine usually sat untouched in the corner of most gyms) was for ab workouts. I still remember the first time I took a full stroke on the water. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. All sports have their challenges, but rowing is unique in that so little of

it comes intuitively. I had been an athlete before college. I’d competed in triathlons, skied cross country and alpine, played soccer and participated in many other sports, and while “talented” is not the word I would have used to describe myself, each sport had an element to it that I already understood.

Rowing was wholly different. It was like learning to walk for the first time at the age of 18. It made me doubt if I was even capable of improving. The hardest practices were the ones that challenged me mentally, not physically. Every time the boat dipped sharply to one side or we were beaten by another team, I would tell myself I was the sole cause. But I wanted to be faster and technically stronger, not just for myself but for my teammates. So I kept at it, and while the learning curve was sharp, it was rewarding.

Seeing how much I’ve improved over the last three years has given me so much confidence. I had assumed confidence in sports was something that you could only let yourself feel when you had shown you were the best, so every failure became

proof that I hadn’t earned it.

I know now that I was wrong. Confidence isn’t a medal around your neck, it’s trusting yourself to push through failure and give everything, even when it won’t be enough. Understanding that changed my approach to rowing.

I see failure as an opportunity, not as an opponent. This is the fastest I’ve ever been at the start of a season, and the part that motivates me most is knowing

that I can still do better, be faster. When I am in the middle of a hard piece or approaching the last few hundred meters of a race, I can’t start doubting myself. My teammates are counting on me to be there with them, to take every stroke together and keep pushing towards the finish line. I need that confidence and self-trust if I want to be there for my team.

Our season is currently in full swing. I am up before 5:30 a.m.

six days a week for practice. The work is tough and the early hours wear at me over the season. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, but knowing I have done it before helps me to know I can do it again. Our first race is in October, and I have so much I want to accomplish in my last year of rowing. I have dedicated so much of the past three years to this sport and can’t wait to see what my final season

brings.

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Jacopo Parrella tallied six goals on Saturday as Fordham took two out of three at the Princeton Invitational.

Fordham has lost 21 of their last 22 games against Princeton since 1998.

Degnan is faster than ever as she prepares for her final season with a reinforced sense of confidence.

Senior rower Tiernan Degnan.

By NICK GUZMAN SPORT S EDITOR

For only the third time ever, and the first time since 2015, Fordham Football has defeated a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent.

The Rams took down the University of Buffalo Bulls 4037 on Saturday night in upstate New York, improving to 2-1 on the season.

DraftKings, BetMGM and FanDuel all had Buffalo as 23.5 point favorites over Fordham heading into Saturday’s contest, but the Rams flipped the script and came back to the Bronx with the upset win under their belt.

Sophomore quarterback CJ Montes delivered his second consecutive five-touchdown performance to pace Fordham’s offense, along with 309 yards passing and 40 yards rushing.

Montes struggled mightily in the season opener against the University at Albany, but these last two weeks have the New Mexico University transfer looking like a worthy heir to Tim Demorat’s throne.

He was named FedEx Ground FCS National Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Early on, it seemed like the sports books were correct in their pre-game odds. Buffalo jumped out to a 21-3 lead in the second quarter thanks to a blocked punt and three quick scores from the Bulls.

But Montes and Fordham quickly kicked things into gear. A 46-yard grab from senior wide receiver MJ Wright got the Rams deep into Buffalo territory before Montes hit senior receiver Mekai Felton for

Football Stuns Buffalo on the Road

a nine-yard score. That made it 21-10 Buffalo with over 11 minutes to go in the second quarter.

A long kick return from Ron Cook aided by a face mask penalty set up the Bulls inside the Fordham 30-yard line on the ensuing possession.

Buffalo eventually got the ball to the one-yard line, but Fordham’s defense held firm on fourth down to keep them out of the endzone.

The Rams then marched 97 yards down the field, scoring once again on a pass from Montes to Felton from 12 yards out. With Fordham down big early, a touchdown, a goal line stand and another touchdown in the span of three possessions flipped the game on its head and cut the Buffalo lead down to 21-17.

At the end of the half, a career-long 44-yard field goal from senior Brandon Peskin got the Rams within one going into the break.

If the first half was a little wild, the second was complete chaos. After Fordham’s second drive of the half stalled in Buffalo territory, the Rams opted to punt the ball away. The ensuing kick from junior Will Haslett was muffed by Cook, allowing junior linebacker James Conway to pounce on the ball and set Fordham up inside the redzone.

The Fordham offense immediately took advantage of the good field position, with Montes finding junior running back Julius Loughridge in the flat for the nine-yard score.

That gave Fordham their first lead of the night, but the extra point attempt from Peskin did not go to plan for the Rams.

Buffalo’s Caleb Offord exploded off the edge and blocked the kick, with his teammate Clevester Hines III scooping up the loose ball and returning it all the way to the endzone for two points.

With the score at 26-23 Fordham, Buffalo capitalized on their momentum from the blocked kick on their next offensive possession. Sophomore running back Mike Washington punched the ball in from five yards out to put the Bulls back on top at 30-26.

That was the score heading into the fourth quarter. The Rams moved the ball back towards the Buffalo goal line thanks to another long connection from Montes to Wright but were forced into a fourth and goal situation. Down by four, Fordham head coach Joe Conlin opted to go for it from the twoyard line.

Montes was able to find senior wide receiver Garrett Cody in the corner of the endzone on fourth down, giving the Rams the lead once again at 33-30.

Buffalo immediately responded with a touchdown of their own, handing Montes and Fordham the ball back down 3733 with eight minutes to go. As they’d done all day, Fordham’s offense marched down the field, taking valuable time off the clock as they did so.

And with two minutes and change left, Montes connected with Wright on a 15-yard for the go-ahead score.

Up 40-37, Fordham was now within touching distance of a memorable win. But last year, we saw the Rams come close to huge road wins against Ohio University and the College of

the Holy Cross only to fall short right at the end.

This time, the Rams sealed the deal. Buffalo were able to move the ball to the edge of field goal range with 46 seconds left, but kicker Alex McNulty missed wide left from 54 yards out. The kick had enough distance but just sailed past the left upright, securing the 40-37 win for Fordham and sending the Rams’ sideline into euphoric joy.

“First quarter was a little ugly,” Conlin said through a smile after the game. “I was very concerned. But tremendous resilience from the guys and the staff, they did a great job of adjusting. Our kids, they never flinched and just kept fighting.”

Fordham swept the weekly Patriot League Awards for their efforts on Saturday night.

Montes, Conway and Peskin were named Patriot League Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively.

Montes commanded Fordham’s

offense all day while Conway did the same on defense, registering 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. Peskin was 2/2 on field goals, including a career-long effort at the end of the first half.

Elsewhere, Wright finished with 159 yards receiving and a score, Felton contributed 66 yards and two touchdowns and Cody racked up 53 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Loughridge posted 106 yards.

Beating an FBS school is a major statement from this Fordham team that struggled to close big games last season.

The Rams are now ranked #22 in this week’s FCS coaches poll, tied with Southeastern Louisiana University.

Fordham now enters their bye week, with no games scheduled for this coming weekend.

They’ll be back in action at home on Saturday, Sept. 23 against Stonehill College. That game can be streamed live on ESPN+ or listened to on WFUV 90.7 FM.

Golf Opens Season, Jake Mrva Wins Hartford Hawks Invitational

By WILL TALLANT STAFF WRITER

The Fordham golf team got off to a roaring start right out of the gates in their 2023 fall season. The first outing for the Rams yielded exactly what head coach Gary Murphy needed from his youthful roster. Fordham has no seniors on their roster for the 2023-24 season, relying heavily on their experienced junior leaders, Jake Mrva and Chris Konefal. The first meet of the fall took place at Tumble Brook Country Club for the Hartford Hawks Invite in Bloomfield, Conn., an event Fordham finished 12th of 16 teams in just under a year ago. Mrva had one of the Rams’ lowest three-round scores in the Hartford Invite last year, carding a score of 220 over three rounds as a sophomore. Fast forward to this season, and Mrva put together a round for the Fordham record books.

Mrva finished his first round on Monday with a six-under score of 66, giving the junior the school record for lowest gross score in program history. Mrva split the front-and-back, shooting a 33 on both sides

of the course to go along with a trio of birdies in his masterful round. The bogey-less day slotted Mrva with a substantial four-stroke cushion going into day two. Prior to Mrva’s program-best 66, the record was previously held by Jason del Rosso at the 2009 Dartmouth Invitational when he shot a 67. Aside from Mrva’s heroics, Fordham played exceptionally well as a team on day one. The Rams were four-over in second and one shot back of the field leading Hartford. Freshman Tucker Silva and junior Bryan Ruland made their Rams debuts

on Monday, both of which tallying scores of 75 including a fiery stretch of 15 straight pars from Silva. With more of a freshmancentric roster construction, the Rams saw immediate success from all of their newcomers including freshman Felix Luetke Meyring, who finished just four strokes over par with a 76.

Fordham was able to maintain their success on Tuesday as the Rams finished in second place as a team with Mrva taking home the individual title.

Mrva tallied a 73 in his second day of action in Bloomfield, becoming the first Ram to finish

atop a tournament field for the first time since the 2017 Ryan Lee Memorial when James Mongey came out victorious.

Mrva and Mongey were in close company all weekend as Mrva’s two-day stroke total of 139 is just two strokes more than the Fordham record of 137, a record also held by Mongey during his 2017 performance at the Bucknell Invitational.

Mrva’s five-under overall total gave the junior some breathing room as he cruised to one of the best outings in Fordham history. Fordham’s roster saw much success at the conclusion

of day two as four other Rams, excluding Mrva, made the top15 in standing. Bryan Ruland was a stroke better on day two, carding a 74 on Tuesday and placing him in the top-10 at ninth for the individual field.

The Fordham freshman picked up right where they left off after their first collegiate rounds as Felix Luetke Meyring and Silva finished their outings tied for 12th place with a two-round score of 150 each.

Freshman AJ DePaolo and sophomore Mashu Nishi turned an excellent day two each with the underclassmen both shooting a pair of 76s. Rounding out the top-15 finishes for the Rams included junior Chris Konefal who tied Mrva’s second round score of 73 and finished in a tie for the 15th spot in individual field standing.

Fordham Golf has started on the best foot possible to begin their fall campaign with Mrva sliding into a leadership position on this roster seamlessly.

The Rams will return to the links this upcoming weekend for the Ryan Lee Memorial at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Kensington, Conn.

Football defeated an FBS opponent for the first time since 2015 on Saturday.

Jake Mrva became the first Ram to win an individual tournament since 2017 with his victory on Tuesday.

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